Simple Saffron Risotto

A simple Saffron Risotto (Risotto alla Milanese). An easy, creamy rice dish for a mid-week family meal, yet elegant enough for any dinner party! Ready in 30 minutes!

In my experience people often seem a bit scared of making risotto. They think it is something complicated which requires hours of tedious work, standing at the stove, stirring, stirring, stirring until their arms fall off, so they assume it’s easier to buy those hideous pouches of ‘microwave’ risotto rice. Sadly, they soon discover these convenient little plastic packs invariably taste of, well, exactly that…plastic.

It doesn’t have to be this way! Risotto is one of the easiest dishes to make and is supremely versatile – you can add almost any combination of veggies, meat, or fish to create your own unique dish (or more realistically, just add whatever you have lurking in your fridge which needs using up pronto ;)). Frozen peas, mushrooms, bits of ham…really, anything goes.

This recipe has no adornments however: it is a classic saffron-infused risotto dish which hails from Milan, in Italy, and is also known as risotto alla Milanese. It would be a good choice for anyone who feels like dipping their toe into the waters and trying a risotto for the first time.

Now, you might be thinking that saffron is expensive, and you would be right. It is a relatively expensive ingredient, but you actually need so little for each recipe that one tiny jar does not cost too much.  It also imparts such a lovely taste (and colour!) to the rice that I think it is a justified expense.

This Italian comfort food is creamy, filling and loved by children and adults alike. Give this saffron risotto a go and serve with a simple green salad. You will never buy rice in a microwavable pouch again.