Riso allo zafferano (Saffron risotto recipe)

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This Creamy buttery riso allo zafferano recipe is full of flavor with mesmerizing golden color. This irresistibly delicious recipe is so simple and easy to make with only a few ingredients and served in 30 minutes. Everyone will love it!

Riso allo zafferano is served in a bowl.

This risotto allo zafferano recipe is inspired by a traditional Italian dish from Milan. It is referred to by names saffron risotto, zafferano risotto, risotto alla Milanese, or simply yellow saffron rice/saffron rice.

I love risotto recipes of all kinds and particularly this riso allo zafferano. It has a creamy texture with butter and parmesan flavor. The saffron adds a complex sweet, earthy, and floral taste to the dish with lovely golden color. You are going to love this homemade dish without a doubt!

This gluten-free risotto zafferano is a great comforting one-pot dish that you can serve as a side dish or on its own as it is a filling meal.

Ingredients

Rice. Look for short-grain white round rice. This type of risotto rice has a lot of starch and makes the risotto dish creamy. I used Arborio Italian rice. You may use Carnaroli or Vialone nano. Sushi rice works too.
Onion. Adds a lot of flavors and a slightly sweet taste to the dish. You may use shallots.
Stock or broth. I used vegetable stock. Use any other stock/broth you like the best. You may even use water.
Butter. Add creaminess and flavor to the dish.
Oil. Mixed with butter prevents the butter from burning. I used olive oil.
Cheese. Make the dish extra special and creamy. Use freshly grated parmesan and not store-bought ones.
Saffron threads. So-called the red gold spice adds delicious aromatics and golden color to the riso allo.
Seasonings. Salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish. I used saffron threads, black pepper, and dry parsley flake.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Crush the saffron threads by pressing them with the back of a spoon until they become powder.

Place the powdered saffron in a mug and pour boiling water over it to cover it. Then cover the mug with aluminum foil to keep it warm and put it aside and let saffron infuse into the hot water till you need it.

Heat oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add onion.

Saute onion until translucent and tender about 2 minutes.

Add the rice to the sauteed onion in the pot.

Stir the rice grains around to coat and slightly toast them, about 2 minutes.

Add 1 cup of stock to the rice.

Stir constantly until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Continue adding 1 cup of stock at a time till you finish the entire 4 cups of stock.

Stir till most liquid is absorbed before adding more stock.

Add the saffron-infused water and the threads.

Stir and cook rice until al dente. About 2 minutes.

cheese, salt and pepper is added to finish preparing the Riso allo zafferano.

Turn off the heat and season it with salt and pepper. And add grated cheese.

all mixed and Riso allo zafferano is ready to serve.

Stir around, taste and adjust the seasonings, garnish, and serve it hot, Enjoy!

Riso allo zafferano is served in a bowl with spoon.

Tips

Use less salt than usual. We use cheese in this recipe which already adds lots of salt to the dish.
Use hot stock or broth. To fasten the cooking process, you may heat up the broth or stock in a microwave or on a stovetop beforehand.
Stir constantly. This will ensure the rice releases more starch and help to make the dish creamy. Also, stirring prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot or burning it.
Add stock or broth slowly. This way you will end up with a creamy dish as more rice starch gets released. Otherwise, adding the whole stock at once will result in a mushy /saggy risotto.
Cook on medium heat. The stock gets absorbed by the rice rather quickly, so using high heat will disturb the slow cooking process and the release of the rice starch. Also, the rice will burn on high heat.

Substitutions and variations

Make it vegan. To make the dish vegan, use vegan plant-based butter and cheese.
Make it vegetarian. Using a cheese made with vegetable rennet will make the dish vegetarian.
Make the dish spicy. Use more black pepper, cayenne pepper, or chili powder.
Add vegetables. Add in sauteed chopped mushrooms, Sauteed baby spinach, kale, or sauteed chopped tomatoes, and sauteed broccoli rabe or peas.
Add protein. Diced cooked chicken breast, salmon fillet, or shrimp works great. Cooked beans, sausages, and eggs are other options.
Add Herbs. Chives, parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano, or thyme are great options.
Make the recipe your own. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese and butter in the recipe. Add spices and herbs you like the most. This is a great way to customize the recipe to your preference.

Equipment

Large saucepan

Storage and reheat

Store riso allo zafferano in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Then heat it low and slow over the stovetop or microwave it. I do not recommend freezing it as the texture alters when thaws.

How to serve it

Serve it on its own. Serve Riso allo zafferano on its own as a delicious filling meal.
Serve it with protein. Serve it with baked/roasted or grilled chicken, salmon fillet, or shrimp.
Serve it with vegetables. Fresh spring salads, slaw, fermented vegetables, or sauteed/roasted vegetables are great with this dish.

Riso allo zafferano is served in a beige bowl with spoon.

I hope you get to love this creamy and flavorful riso allo zafferano and make it over and over again. This is such a perfect dish for every occasion for all kids and adults to love.

Let me know how you did it. I love to hear from you!

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FAQ

What to serve with risotto?

You can serve it as a side dish with chicken, fish, or meat along with fresh garden salad, slaw, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, carrots, or mushrooms.

What does saffron rice taste like?

Saffron rice has an earthy, slightly sweet, nutty, and floral flavor and golden color to it which tastes and smells great.

Is yellow rice the same as saffron rice?

Yellow rice can be made either with saffron or turmeric. But the rice will have a different look and taste to them. Turmeric adds rich flavor and bolder color to the rice. But, saffron adds a floral and sweet flavor to rice with bright yellow color.

What does risotto alla Milanese taste like?

Risotto alla Milanese is a traditional Italian dish from Milan. It is a hearty dish with a delicious creamy texture that has a saffron aroma taste to it. Saffron adds a floral and sweet flavor to rice with bright yellow color.

Is risotto a rice?

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made with short, starchy rice grains such as Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone nano and stock/broth to make a creamy texture. This type of rice absorbs lots of liquid without getting mushy or soggy. The creamy texture in risotto is achieved by cooking the rice slowly by adding little water at a time and constantly stirring.

Looking for other hearty recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with riso allo zafferano: