Risotto with radicchio, walnuts and speck is a perfect first course for this season, able to combine intense flavors and different textures in a harmonious way. Treviso red radicchio, with its slightly bitter note, pairs perfectly with walnuts and crispy speck, creating a simple yet characterful dish.
This is an easy and quick recipe, ideal both for everyday lunch and when you want to bring something special to the table without complicating your life. With a few ingredients and my tips you’ll get a creamy, well-balanced risotto ready to win everyone over.
If you love radicchio, here are other ideas for you:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup rice
- 6 oz Treviso IGP red radicchio, late (or early)
- 1.5 oz speck
- 4 walnuts
- 1/4 onion
- 1/2 glass red wine
- as needed vegetable broth
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- butter
Tools
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Small saucepan
- Nutcracker
Preparation
Wash the radicchio, dry it and cut it into thin strips.
Peel the onion, chop it finely and sauté it in a saucepan with a drizzle of oil.
Add the radicchio, season with salt and let it wilt for a few minutes over medium heat. Deglaze with the red wine and let the alcohol evaporate (1).
Add the rice, toast it for a few seconds, then moisten with the boiling broth (2).
Continue cooking for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently and adding broth as needed.
Meanwhile, cut the speck into strips and brown it in a separate pan without adding oil.
Crack the walnuts and roughly chop them.
When the risotto is ready, turn off the heat, add a small knob of butter and stir. Finally, add the speck and the walnuts (3).
The risotto with radicchio, walnuts and speck is ready, divide it onto plates and serve hot… enjoy your meal!
Tips and notes
Choose a variety of rice suitable for risottos, such as Carnaroli or Vialone Nano.
You can use early or late Treviso red radicchio, Chioggia or Verona radicchio, depending on your taste.
You can deglaze with white wine instead of red.
If you like, you can add grated Parmesan or Grana Padano.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I omit the speck?
Of course, if you want a vegetarian dish you can skip the speck. The risotto will still be flavorful.
