Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy, where every bite tells a story of tradition and warmth. Our Chestnut and Rice Savoury is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Creamy rice, nutty chestnuts, and aromatic Parmesan cheese come together in a dish that will make your taste buds dance and your soul feel nourished. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g rice
- 200g chestnuts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 50g Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and finely chop the onion, ensuring uniform small pieces for even flavor distribution.
- If using fresh chestnuts, carefully score the shell and roast them in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until the shells crack open. Let them cool, then peel and roughly chop.
- In a large saucepan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rice to the pan and toast it lightly for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and to enhance the nutty flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, add chopped chestnuts, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the top of the rice just before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Chestnut Selection: If using fresh chestnuts, choose firm, heavy nuts without any signs of mold. When roasting, scoring the shell prevents them from exploding and makes peeling easier.
- Rice Technique: Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir continuously during this process.
- Broth Matters: Use a high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor. If possible, warm the broth before adding to the rice to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
- Chestnut Preparation: If fresh chestnuts are unavailable, high-quality roasted and peeled chestnuts from a store work perfectly fine.
- Resting is Key: Always let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Cheese Tip: Grate the Parmesan fresh for the most vibrant flavor. Add it just before serving to maintain its texture and taste.
- Customization: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of truffle oil can also elevate this dish to gourmet status.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
