Risotto with parsley, orange and toasted almonds
- Easy
- 40 min
Orange risotto is this really really tasty dish from Northern Italy that somehow makes any meal feel special. And here's the thing, it's not too heavy or complicated. What stands out? The fresh and aromatic vibe it gets from orange zest and juice mixed into the rice. Really good stuff. This is what gives the citrus risotto its bright aroma and taste. Perfect for when you want something light but still creamy and satisfying.
Plus, it is vegetarian-friendly, so it's simple yet a bit romantic and unique. In Northern Italy, where risotto is pretty much a staple, locals definitely know how to use their citrus. And the dish? It shows how well those flavors blend with rice. The orange zest? It adds a burst of color and a zippy kick. Plus, the juice keeps everything moist and flavorful.
If you want to switch things up from the classics, this blood orange risotto is way better. People sometimes compare it to the seafood twist—like "risotto all'arancia con spada e gamberetti." But, the basic orange version, you know, really lets the citrus shine. It’s got connections to other regional recipes too, like linguine with dill and citrus, which is great. These flavors fit together so well in Italian cooking.
This orange risotto recipe doesn’t need fancy add-ins; its delicate flavor is enough. That’s why it's perfect for date nights or when you want to impress without trying too hard. Just the scent of the orange zest as the rice cooks can fill your kitchen—seriously good—with a gentle, inviting aroma. And listen, it makes the whole experience feel more special. Serve it as a first course or let it be the star of a laid-back, cozy dinner. Either way, you get something that tastes like sunshine in a bowl, capturing the spirit of Northern Italian cuisine in every bite.
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To prepare the orange risotto, start by washing the orange and peeling it with a peeler 1, being careful to remove as little of the white part as possible (which would be bitter); squeeze the orange and set the juice aside. Cut the peeled zest into rather thin strips 2 that you will briefly parboil in a pan 3 containing a couple of fingers of water and then drain.
Peel and finely chop the onion, sauté it in melted butter, then add the rice 4, which you will toast for a few minutes; deglaze the rice with a splash of white wine 5 and then add the orange juice 6.
Continue stirring, finish cooking the rice by adding a little broth whenever needed 7. A few minutes before the end of cooking, add the orange zest, chives 8, and season with salt and ground white pepper if necessary. Once the heat is off, add the grated Grana Padano DOP cheese and a pat of butter to cream 9. Serve immediately, garnishing the dish with orange slices, zest, and, if desired, a few chives.