Risotto Allo Zafferano (Saffron Risotto)

This vegan and naturally gluten-free risotto allo zafferano (saffron risotto) is a classic and authentic Italian dish loved for its creamy texture and rich flavor. With a few simple ingredients, the rice is cooked slowly in broth until it reaches a deliciously creamy restaurant-quality consistency. This homemade dish is ready in 20 minutes.

🌟 Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this saffron risotto recipe.

• First and foremost, the dish is incredibly flavorful, simple and satisfying, with the distinct taste of saffron and the creamy texture of the arborio rice. 
•  Additionally, it’s a great option for those who are following a vegan or plant-based diet, as this recipe is free of any animal products.
•  It’s a good option for a cozy weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party, as it’s both elegant and easy at the same time. 
• Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, risotto allo zafferano is a versatile and flavorful dish.
• Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.

📖 What Is Risotto Allo Zafferano?

Risotto allo zafferano, or saffron risotto, is a classic Italian dish that’s loved for its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Saffron is the key ingredient in this recipe and gives the dish its characteristic golden color and unique taste. The dish is made by cooking Arborio rice in a broth made from vegetables, white wine, and saffron. The rice is cooked slowly, with the broth added gradually, until it reaches a creamy consistency. The final result is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The dish originates from the Lombardy region of Italy, but it’s now enjoyed all over the world. Risotto allo zafferano is a popular dish during the fall and winter months when warm and comforting foods are preferred.

The inspiration and cooking technique for this recipe is inspired by this authentic recipe for risotto alla Milanese.

🥣 Ingredient Notes

Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient:

Carnaroli or Arborio rice

These types of short-gran rice are ideal for risotto as they have a high starch content, which is important for creating a creamy texture when cooked. It’s also able to absorb a lot of liquid without becoming mushy, which is why it’s the preferred rice variety for making risotto.

Olive oil

The olive oil is used to sauté the onion and adds flavor to the dish.
White onion: The finely chopped onion adds flavor and depth to the dish and is sautéed in olive oil before the rice is added.

Vegetable broth

The vegetable broth serves as the base liquid for the risotto and contributes to the overall flavor of the dish. It’s important to use warm broth so that it doesn’t slow down the cooking process.

White wine

Adding white wine to the rice as it cooks helps to deglaze the pan and adds a bright, acidic flavor to the dish. You can use any white wine you like, such as dry white wine, but avoid using wine that’s too sweet.

Saffron threads

Saffron is a key ingredient in saffron risotto and provides the signature golden color and unique flavor. It is known for its unique taste and aroma. It can be quite expensive, but a little bit goes a long way in this recipe.

Warm water

Warm water is used to steep the saffron threads and extract their flavor. This also prevent the saffron threads from breaking.

Vegan butter

Adding a small amount of vegan butter at the end of cooking helps to enrich the dish further and creates a smooth and creamy texture. Depending on your preference, you can use salted or unsalted butter. 

Cheese

Vegan Parmesan cheese is typically added at the end of cooking to add richness and creaminess to the dish. For a more wholesome ingredient, nutritional yeast also makes a good vegan alternative to Parmesan cheese (see the recipe notes for a quick recipe for vegan cheese with nutritional yeast). 

Salt & white pepper

Adding salt and white pepper (at the end) helps to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Make sure to check the recipe card for the full recipe with the exact quantities and information on all the ingredients. 

🥄 How To Make Risotto Allo Zafferano (step-by-step with photos)

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these steps to make your risotto allo zafferano. The full recipe is down below.

Step 1.
In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in warm water and set aside. In a large pot, heat up the vegetable broth and keep it warm on low heat.

Step 2.
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.

Step 3.
Add the rice to the pan with the onions, and stir to coat the rice with the oil. Continue to stir for 1-2 minutes or until the rice is slightly toasted.

Step 4.
Add the white wine to the pan, and stir continuously until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.

Step 5.
Add a bit of the warm vegetable broth to the rice, and keep on stirring until the liquid has been absorbed. Repeat this process, a bit at a time, until all of the broth has been used.

Step 6.
Add the saffron water to the pan, and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice and the rice has become yellow.

Step 7.
Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the cold vegan butter and the nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Step 8.
Taste and season with salt and white pepper, if desired. Serve the risotto hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or saffron threads.

🍄 Substitutions and Add-ins

There are a few variations and additions you can make with this saffron risotto recipe. Here are a few ideas:

Substitutions

• Instead of white wine, you could use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to add acidity to the dish.
• If you don’t have saffron threads, you could substitute with turmeric powder for a similar golden color or use other spices like cumin or smoked paprika to add flavor.4
• Instead of vegetable broth, you could use chicken-style or mushroom-style broth for a different flavor profile. Vegetable broth is used in this recipe to keep it vegan, but any broth will work.
• Instead of nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese, you could use grated vegan cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• If you don’t have vegan butter, you could use coconut oil or vegan margarine as a substitute. Or you can use regular butter if you are not vegan. 

Additions

• You could add some chopped mushrooms or diced tomatoes to the risotto for additional flavor and texture.
• If you want some extra protein, you could add some cooked white beans or chickpeas to the dish.
• For some added greens, you could stir in some chopped spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
• To make the dish more filling, you could add some cooked or roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or butternut squash.
• For some extra crunch, you could sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts or seeds on top of the risotto before serving.
• More traditional recipes for risotto allo zafferano typically don’t use garlic. However, some modern variations of the recipe do include garlic as a flavor enhancer. If you like the taste of garlic, feel free to include it in this recipe. It’s usually minced and added to the onion while it’s cooking.

📗 Expert Tips

Here are some expert tips for making the perfect risotto allo zafferano.

🥡 How To Store Risotto Allo Zafferano

Refrigerate
Let the risotto cool to room temperature. Don’t leave this risotto at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can lead to bacterial growth. Transfer the risotto to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze
It’s not recommended to freeze risotto allo zafferano, as the texture can change when it’s thawed and reheated.

Reheat
To reheat risotto allo zafferano, you can either microwave it or heat it up on the stovetop. If using a microwave, place the risotto in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a lid, and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If heating on the stovetop, place the risotto in a saucepan over medium heat and stir it constantly until heated through.

Add liquid
If the risotto has become too dry after refrigeration, you can add a bit of liquid to help revive it. Vegetable broth, water, or white wine can be used to add moisture and help restore the creamy texture.

💭 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add vegetables or protein to this recipe? 

You can customize this risotto by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Some popular options include mushrooms, peas, or tofu.

Do I need to use white wine in this recipe?

White wine can add a nice depth of flavor to the dish, but it can be omitted if necessary.

What goes well with saffron risotto?

Saffron risotto is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with various ingredients. Some classic combinations include:

• Mushrooms, such as porcini or chanterelles
• Peas or asparagus.
• Grilled or roasted protein such as tofu or tempeh.
• A simple green (leafy) salad.

Can I use another type of onion in this recipe? 

You can use a different type of onion if you prefer. White onions have a milder flavor than yellow or red onions, but any type will work. White onions and white pepper is used in this recipe mainly to keep the color yellow.

🍲 For More Comforting Recipes You Might Like:

• Pasta Al Pesto
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Gigi Hadid Pasta
• Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

📖 Recipe

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