Beer risotto? Why not?

Experimenting, trying things out and this exciting curiosity have always been close to my heart. Anyone who knows me well also knows how strongly this characterises my life. Well, I've just realised that my beer recipes were also created this way. Now I've continued my little tradition and experimented with my daughter Sara. Last Sunday we had a lot of fun in the kitchen and came up with the idea of beer risotto.

Risotto for me, the Italian from Rome, is like fondue for every Swiss. This Italian national dish, which is so popular in northern Italy and widespread in southern Switzerland, was first mentioned in written historical sources in the early 19th century. This creamy rice dish is available in a wide variety and owes its consistency to the traditional method of preparation: not rinsed and not cooked, the starch is retained. As I am more than happy with the result of our Sunday experiment, I would like to share the recipe with you.

The secret of the risotto, with its pleasant malty flavour and aromatic caramel notes, lies in the addition of Fermento Amber Ale, our exceptionally balanced beer, in which malt and hops harmonise at every moment of tasting. The elegant flavour, pleasant aroma and creamy texture make this dish perfect. To improve the latter, I recommend adding Parmegiano and a little butter.
And the most important thing: rice! Different types of rice can be used. We recommend Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, although the former is less easily overcooked than Vialone Nano. The latter is smaller, cooks faster and absorbs the spices better.
Neben der klassischen Paarung von Risotto mit Wein empfehlen wir Ihnen, es diesmal mit dem Amber Ale zu probieren, das wir zum Kochen verwendet haben. The creaminess of the risotto is well balanced by the beer bubbles and the hop flavour of the risotto is accentuated by the beer itself.

Here is the result of the Italian spirit mixed with Swiss beer and the world of fantasy.
Let this recipe inspire you to experiment with flavours. Enjoy it and share the results with us in the comments.

En Guette!

Ingredients for four (hungry!) people

  • Rice: Carnaroli or Vialone Nano; 320g
  • Beer: Fermento Amber Ale; 1 bottle (33cc)
  • Onion: 100g
  • Parmesan cheese: 100g
  • Broth: 0.5l
  • Saffron: 16g
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, thyme (to taste)

Step-by-step

  1. Prepare the stock as desired. Keep them warm.
  2. Stir the saffron powder into half a cup of warm water.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a pan and gently fry the onion until soft and yellow in colour.
  4. Add the rice directly to the pan (without boiling it first) and fry, stirring constantly (approx. 2 minutes).
  5. Add a bottle of beer to the rice and keep stirring until it evaporates and is absorbed by the rice.
  6. Stir in the stock, adding just enough to cover the rice. Gradually add the stock, stirring constantly.
  7. After about 10-15 minutes, add the previously prepared saffron and water.
  8. Add the butter, black pepper and thyme and make sure that the rice does not dry out. Ideally, the rice should form waves when you move the pan.
  9. Add the Parmigiano to the pan and stir again.
  10. Sprinkle with fresh Parmigiano to taste and serve.