Chorizo and Manchego Risotto
Instructions
This rich and savory Italian comfort food Risotto is made with the Spanish flavors of Chorizo and Manchego Cheese. This must-try risotto recipe comes from Alejandra Ramos on her website Always Order Dessert!
Step 1
Heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chorizo and cook 3-5 minutes, or until slightly crisped and rendered. Remove from heat.
Step 2
Place a heavy bottom pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and the diced onions. Sauce 5-10 minutes, or until tender. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant (2 minutes). Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil and onions. Cook 2 minutes. Add the sherry or wine and let simmer until completely absorbed.
Step 3
In a separate pot, combine the broth, saffron, paprika, red pepper, and 3 teaspoons of kosher salt, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4
Add the seasoned hot broth to the rice, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Adjust heat so the rice stays at a low simmer.
Step 5
Once all the broth has been added and the rice is creamy and just barely tender, remove from heat. Add the chorizo with any fat in the pan and stir it into the rice. Add the cheese and stir in until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt as needed.
Step 6
Serve immediately with additional grated manchego on top.
Recipe Video
Italian Meets Spanish
While we have plenty of traditional recipes like this paella de mariscos, we’re all about delicious flavor combinations and cooking styles. Just look at this Italian Sushi, these Thai-inspired Chicken Burritos or Reuben-like Arancini. This recipe for comforting Italian risotto made with Spanish flavors like paprika, chorizo and manchego is no exception.
Ingredient Options
As this recipe uses the traditional technique of making your favorite risotto but with Spanish flavors, the perfect dish needs to start off with the right ingredients:
To make a delicious risotto, you’ll need to use a quality base of Mahatma® Arborio Rice, specially crafted for all of your favorite risotto dishes because the medium grains release starch and absorb the flavor perfectly!
Ask around to find Spanish Chorizo if it is not readily available at your grocery store or specialty foods store. Use the chorizo that fits your palate best, and if you only have Italian sausage at home, feel free to use it.
You can also substitute Sherry in for the dry white wine if you choose! Like we always say, use what you have.
Once you master this creamy Italian dish, continue to try new flavors from around the world by whipping up this Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice or a Thai Jasmine-inspired meal using traditional jasmine rice cooking techniques. Find all kinds of ideas for global gastronomy in our Cooking section.
