Saffron Zucchini Risotto Recipe
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Ingredients
  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • ½ teaspoon saffron threads
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 zucchini
  • 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1 ½ cups arborio rice
  • ½ cup white wine
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
  • ¾ cup grated pecorino cheese, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
Directions
  1. Add the vegetable stock to a pot, bring to a boil, and then turn down to a low simmer and keep hot.
  2. Pour 1 cup stock into a bowl and add the saffron. Set aside and allow to steep.
  3. Slice the zucchini into ¼-inch rounds.
  4. Place a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  5. Add the zucchini slices to the pan, and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and tender.
  6. Remove the zucchini from the pan and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
  7. Using the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, remaining olive oil, onion, and garlic.
  8. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.
  9. Add the rice and saute for 2 minutes until the grains are translucent around the edges.
  10. Pour in the white wine and stir for 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
  11. Add half of the fried zucchini slices, keeping the rest aside for garnish.
  12. Pour in ½ cup hot stock and stir constantly. Allow the liquid to completely absorb, then add another ladle of stock.
  13. Repeat the process of adding ½ cup stock, stirring, and letting the rice absorb the liquid until the grains are al dente. You may not use all of the stock.
  14. Stir in the saffron-infused stock, then turn off the heat.
  15. Stir in the chopped parsley and half of the grated pecorino. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  16. Spoon the risotto onto serving plates and garnish with the leftover fried zucchini, grated pecorino cheese, and parsley leaves. Enjoy immediately.