Radicchio and Sausage Risotto

Name: Radicchio and Sausage Risotto
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Carnaroli rice 1 ½ cup; Sausage 7 oz; Radicchio to clean 7.1 oz; White onions 2.8 oz; Extra virgin olive oil 0.7 tbsp; White wine 1 oz; Vegetable broth 3.3 cups; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1.8 oz

it es fr de br

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Nicola Sorrentino

Rich flavors of Northern Italy come together in radicchio and sausage risotto, perfect for those chilly evenings. The mix of tender rice, slightly bitter radicchio, and savory sausage? Seriously good. It just works. Northern Italian kitchens are famous for their risotto, and this one stands out because the radicchio adds an edge, while the sausage brings a salty kick that balances everything. Mantecatura, or the final stirring with butter and cheese, gives this creamy risotto its trademark moist, velvety feel. Every spoonful melts away, but you still get that hint of tangy radicchio in the background. Keeps things interesting, right? And stops it from being too heavy.

Across towns in Veneto and Lombardy, folks make all sorts of Italian risotto recipes with different twists. But this radicchio and sausage risotto? A real staple, especially in colder months. It’s one of those easy risotto recipes that feels kind of special without being complicated. Gathering around the table with this dish makes for a cozy family meal. And the golden rice just soaks up all the flavors. Some families add a bit of red wine to really really bring out the radicchio’s bite, while others let the sausage do all the talking. Either way, you end up with a bowl of food that’s both comforting and a little crispy on the edges if you let the bottom sit for a second.

Compared to other traditional Italian dishes, this risotto stands out. It’s hearty and has that main creamy finish, thanks to the slow-cooking method and final creaming step. It’s a go-to for anyone looking for something warm, a bit bold, and really tasty without much fuss. Pretty simple. Enjoying this dish is like getting a warm hug from the heart of Northern Italy, inviting you to savor each delicious bite. So here's the thing—can't go wrong with this one.

How to prepare Radicchio and Sausage Risotto

To prepare radicchio and sausage risotto, cut the radicchio into strips 1, remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it 2. Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a saucepan, add the chopped onion and let it soften over low heat 3.

After about 3 minutes, add the sausage with the casing removed 4. Keep the temperature medium-high and stir often with a spatula 5. Continue cooking for about 7 minutes or until it's well browned 6.

At this point, you can add the radicchio cut into strips 7. Mix well with a spoon 8, let cook for another 3 minutes, and set aside 9.

In a saucepan, add the Carnaroli rice and toast it 10. When the grains are very hot, deglaze with white wine 11. Let the alcohol evaporate, keeping the heat medium-high 12.

Pour in some of the hot vegetable broth 13. Now cook the risotto by adding vegetable broth as needed and stirring often 14. When the rice is al dente, transfer the cooked radicchio and sausage to the pan 15.

Cream with extra virgin olive oil 16. Season with salt and pepper, give a final stir with a spatula 17, and your radicchio and sausage risotto is ready to enjoy 18!

Storage

Radicchio and sausage risotto can be stored for one day in the refrigerator, but it can't be frozen. To regenerate the rice, place it under the oven grill with a good sprinkle of Parmesan on top.