This intensely tasty risotto is simple but packed with ready-made flavour in the form of the soft spreadable Calabrian salami nduja. It's the perfect to create an intensely flavourful sauce for soft, creamy rice.
Heat the stock in a small pan until just simmering. Turn down the heat and keep it hot next to your risotto pan.
Heat the oil in a deep sauté pan over a medium heat and gently fry the shallot for 2-3 minutes to soften.
Add the nduja (removed from its casing) and fry gently for a 2-3 minutes. The sausage will break up quickly and form a kind of paste. Add a splash of water if it begins to burn.
Add the rice and stir to combine everything and fry for 1-2 minutes.
Add the wine, stir and let it sizzle for 30 seconds to burn off the alcohol
Add 2-3 ladlefuls of hot chicken stock. Let this sizzle for 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly until it's reduced down. Repeat this process for 12-20 minutes, adding more stock a little at a time, and stirring regularly. The rice will be cooked when you bite into it and it's soft, with the tiniest bit of resistance. It should also be a fairly thin, creamy texture and not too dry.
Remove from the heat and stir in the mascarpone and a little Parmigiano Reggiano (known as the 'mantecare' stage). You should have a loose creamy texture, so add a little extra stock or water if it's too thick.
Serve hot and right away!
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, serve your risotto hot and immediately. To prevent it from becoming overcooked or mushy, make sure everyone is seated at the table and ready to eat before you begin serving.
I recommend serving risotto as either an appetizer or a main course, accompanied by a side of vegetables or salad. If you like, you can also add a crispy slice of prosciutto or pancetta on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Leftover risotto can be transformed into delicious rice balls such as Arancini or Suppli. It becomes mushy over time, so I do not suggest refrigerating or freezing it.
Tips & suggestions
To ensure that your risotto turns out perfectly, make sure your stock is hot when you add it to the rice. Adding cold stock can lower the pan's temperature and affect the risotto's texture and cooking time.
If you don't have mascarpone cheese, you can use a bit of double/whipping cream or regular cream cheese instead.
A well-made risotto should be rich, creamy, and luxurious, not thick and heavy. Serve it immediately, as the rice will continue to absorb the sauce and thicken over time.
Don't throw away leftover risotto! Instead, use it to make delicious arancini or suppli, which have a satisfyingly crispy texture.