Risotto is a beautiful dish that brings a touch of creamy goodness to any meal. It can be served as the centrepiece for your meal or as a side dish to fish or meat.
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If you’re planning to do the latter, ahead we list ten great additions to pair with the beloved Italian rice. From fresh salads to protein-packed shell fish, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Salad
Is there an easier side than a fresh salad? Whip up this quick and delicious arugula salad to accompany your risotto. The best part? It doesn’t even need salad dressing!
To prepare, simply toss the fresh leaves with some olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice and finish off with grated Parmesan, thinly sliced shallots and toasted nuts to make it extra filling!
2. Shrimp
With BBQ season almost upon us, now more than ever is the perfect time to throw some shrimp in the grill!
Ready in a few short minutes, this crustacean addition can easily transform your dish into a fancy meal. Check out this easy garlic prawn recipe that’s ready in less than 20 minutes!
3. Eggs
An easy protein to add to your risotto is eggs! Serve them up fried or poached on top of your risotto to make it more of a complete meal. Cut into the runny yolk for extra creaminess on your rice.
4. Chicken
Another quick and fool-proof addition to your risotto is chicken. No need to over-complicate things, simply fry up some chicken thighs in a skillet until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
The crackling chicken skin will add a nice crunch to your risotto, giving a wonderful contrast to a hearty meal.
5. Seared Scallops
Hosting a dinner party soon? Seared scallops are not only buttery, delicious and incredibly quick to make, they are also a sure-fire way to impress guests. So, don’t hesitate to whip up this delicate seafood to go with your beloved Italian rice.
6. Sausages
If you have your favourite sausages in the fridge, fry them up over the stove or crumble and sauté them to serve as a topping for your bowl of risotto. It’s quick, delicious and super easy!
7. Beans
Don’t let this humble ingredient fool you – beans pair perfectly with risotto! To prepare, rinse and drain the beans and add to the rice in the final 10 minutes of cooking.
We recommend using white beans or chickpeas for best results.
8. Ricotta
Take the creaminess of your risotto to the next level by adding a dollop of ricotta to each bowl. The soft cheese packs an extra helping of protein that is sure to make your Italian rice extra creamy and filling.
9. Roasted vegetables
Here’s another simple addition to include on your list: roasted vegetables! When choosing what veggies to include in your roasting pan, opt for those with a bit of colour to make your dish stand out.
We recommend using red peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes and red onion. Simply drizzle some olive oil and season with salt and pepper before popping in the oven.
What side dish are you having with your bowl of risotto? Tell us in the comments below!
I found the risotto quite bland & lacking in flavour.