Creamy Bacon Risotto (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
3 cups chicken stock, low-sodium
02 -
1 tablespoon high-quality olive oil
03 -
2 slices thick bacon, chopped into small pieces
04 -
1/2 small minced shallot
05 -
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
06 -
1 cup arborio rice
07 -
1/4 cup dry white wine
08 -
4 tablespoons chopped caramelized onions
09 -
1/3 cup parmesan-reggiano, finely grated
10 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
11 -
Chopped fresh chives for topping
12 -
A pinch of salt and black pepper to season
# Instructions:
01 -
Warm a pot over medium-low heat, pour in the stock, and let it simmer gently. Once warm, keep it nearby for when it’s needed.
02 -
In a large skillet on medium heat, combine olive oil and bacon pieces. Let the bacon cook for about 10 minutes until crispy. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels.
03 -
Lower the heat to medium-low and toss in the minced shallots with a small pinch of salt. Let them cook for a minute or two until they soften. If they start browning, just lift the pan for a bit to cool things off.
04 -
Add the garlic and cook it gently for about one minute. Toss in the rice and stir to coat the grains with all those tasty aromatics. Let it toast for a few minutes until you notice a tiny white dot in the middle of each grain.
05 -
Pour in the wine, letting it simmer while the rice absorbs it. This takes 2-3 minutes and adds a ton of great flavor while cooking off the alcohol.
06 -
Here’s where the magic happens! Stir in one ladle of that warm stock and continue gently stirring until it’s mostly absorbed. Repeat this process ladle by ladle over 20-25 minutes, letting the risotto slowly turn creamy.
07 -
When the rice reaches that perfect al dente spot, toss in the caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Remove the pan from heat to keep things from overcooking.
08 -
Stir in the butter and parmesan until everything melts together smoothly. Add salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with the fresh chives, and enjoy immediately while it’s warm and velvety!
# Notes:
01 -
This dish blends rich caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and nutty parmesan for a cozy and flavorful meal.
02 -
Keep an eye on the stove—risotto needs care and frequent stirring!