
I was once told that we have the master glazier of Milan's cathedral to thank for risotto alla Milanese, the creamy rice dish that gets its vivid color and flavor from saffron. In 1574, the master hired a disciple nicknamed Zafferano because he used saffron to stain the glass gold. The master teased, "You'll be putting saffron in your risotto next!" Well, it happened that his daughter was to be married. At the celebration, a table held four steaming pots of risotto. The guests were amazed to see it was tinted gold—the wedding gift of all wedding gifts. —Marc Vetri, chef-owner of Vetri restaurant in Philadelphia
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 tbsp. saffron threads
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 small yellow onions, minced
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 oz. raw bone marrow (optional)
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Risotto alla Milanese
Saffron gives this risotto its vibrant color and flavor. Get the recipe for Risotto alla Milanese »