Creamy and flavorful radicchio, speck and cream cheese risotto

Name: Creamy and flavorful radicchio, speck and cream cheese risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: ¾ cup arborio rice; 1/2 head of radicchio; 2 oz speck; 3 tbsp dry white wine; Vegetable broth to taste (about 2-3 cups); 2 tbsp cream cheese; 1/2 onion (small); Olive oil to taste; Butter to taste; Fine salt to taste; pepper to taste

Main Dish

Very Easy

30 min

527 Kcal

Radicchio, speck, and cream cheese risotto is a creamy, aromatic dish full of character... exactly the kind of comfort food that brings all the warmth of home cooking to the table. The radicchio adds a refined, pleasantly bitter note, the speck brings crispiness and savory depth, and the Philadelphia-style cream cheese wraps every grain of rice in irresistible creaminess. Perfect for the colder months, when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, this risotto is a great choice for Sunday lunch, a family dinner, or a relaxed gathering with friends. It blends the pleasure of Italian tradition with a modern touch of softness and lightness, making each bite memorable. Simple to prepare yet surprisingly flavorful, it’s the kind of dish that wins you over from the very first taste. Follow the step-by-step recipe and discover how to make a radicchio and speck risotto with the ideal texture and perfectly balanced flavor. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll bring a dish to the table that tastes like autumn and is sure to impress everyone.

Materials

Cutting board
Frying pan
Pot
Knife

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Cook time20 min

Prepare vegetable broth and keep it hot. Alternatively, if you are short on time, use a stock cube. Wash the radicchio thoroughly and cut it into thin strips.
Brown the finely chopped onion in a little olive oil and a knob of butter. Add the radicchio and let it wilt for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the rice to the radicchio and toast for a couple of minutes, stirring to keep it from sticking. Then deglaze with the white wine and let it evaporate completely.
When the wine has evaporated, begin cooking the rice by adding one ladleful of hot broth at a time. Wait until the broth is absorbed before adding more.
Cut the speck into thin strips. When the rice is almost cooked, add half the speck to the pan and stir well to season. Adjust salt if necessary.
Meanwhile, brown the other half of the bacon in a nonstick skillet until crispy, then set aside for the final garnish.
Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, mixing vigorously until creamy and smooth.
Serve the risotto on plates, top with the crispy bacon set aside and a light sprinkling of ground black pepper.

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FAQ ❓

How can radicchio, speck and cream cheese risotto be stored?

Risotto can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To enjoy it best, reheat it in a pan with a spoonful of broth or a trickle of water to restore its creaminess.

Can I substitute cream cheese for another cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese for other creamy cheeses such as mascarpone, mild gorgonzola or stracchino. Each will give the risotto a different creaminess and flavor, more delicate or stronger depending on your taste.

What are the secrets to creamy risotto?

To make a creamy risotto, toast the rice well at first and add the hot stock a little at a time, stirring constantly. This will gradually release the starch, giving the risotto a velvety, enveloping texture.

What is the importance of white wine in the risotto recipe?

White wine is essential for blending the rice and adding a pleasant hint of acidity. This step balances the flavors of the radicchio and speck and gives the dish more harmony and depth.

What is the rice cooking time for a perfect risotto?

On average, risotto rice takes between 16 and 18 minutes to cook. The exact time depends on the type of rice, but the grain should remain slightly al dente and well bound in the cream.

What type of rice is best to use for radicchio and speck risotto?

The best are Carnaroli, Vialone Nano or Arborio. These varieties release the right amount of starch and maintain a perfect texture, which is ideal for a creamy, firm risotto.

Is it necessary to use wine in the preparation of risotto?

The use of white wine in risotto is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. It helps to blend the rice and add a touch of acidity that balances the sweet flavor of the radicchio and the savoriness of the bacon. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can replace it with a little diluted lemon juice.

How can I make a vegetarian version of this risotto?

For a vegetarian version of radicchio risotto, simply eliminate the speck and replace it with ingredients with an intense, enveloping flavor, such as toasted walnuts, porcini mushrooms or parmesan shavings.