Homemade Fennel, Lemon, and Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Experience the taste of the season with a homemade fennel, lemon, and Parmesan risotto. This delightful dish combines the earthy sweetness of fennel, the zesty freshness of lemon, and the creamy richness of Parmesan. It’s a perfect showcase for quality ingredients and a testament to the wonders of seasonal produce. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a flavourful and comforting risotto that will elevate your dining experience. Get ready to indulge in the harmonious blend of flavours that will leave you craving seconds.

Step 1: Sauté the Fennel and Onions

1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced fennel and diced onions to the saucepan. Stir to coat them in the oil and butter, then cover the pan with a lid.
3. Allow the fennel and onions to sweat down for 10-15 minutes. Remove the lid and continue sautéing until they start to caramelize, releasing their sweet and savory flavors.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

1. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry white wine. Stir well to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
2. Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly, infusing the fennel and onions with its subtle acidity and aroma.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

1. Add the Cannaroli or Arborio rice to the pan, stirring it into the fennel and onion mixture.
2. Toast the rice for 3-4 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors of the vegetables and wine.

Step 4: Cook the Risotto

1. Reduce the heat to low and begin adding a ladleful of hot chicken stock to the rice. Stir the rice regularly until the stock is absorbed.
2. Repeat this process, adding a ladleful of stock at a time and stirring until absorbed, until the rice reaches an al dente consistency. This will take approximately 20-25 minutes. Note: The key to a creamy risotto is to gradually add the stock and allow the rice to absorb it slowly.

Step 5: Finish the Risotto

1. Once the rice is cooked al dente, stir in the finely grated Parmesan and the zest of half a lemon.
2. Give the risotto a final stir to incorporate the cheese and lemon zest, infusing it with a tangy and aromatic note.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the fennel, lemon, and Parmesan risotto to serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish each serving
3. with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of flavour.
4. Dive into the creamy, savoury goodness of this homemade risotto and relish the harmonious blend of fennel, lemon, and Parmesan.

This homemade fennel, lemon, and Parmesan risotto is a celebration of seasonal produce and quality ingredients. By following these simple steps, you can create a dish that not only highlights the flavors of the season but also offers a comforting and indulgent dining experience. The sweetness of caramelized fennel, the zingy freshness of lemon zest, and the creaminess of Parmesan come together in perfect harmony. Treat your taste buds to this exquisite risotto, and let the combination of flavors transport you to culinary bliss. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a memorable dish that embraces the essence of the season and elevates your dining table.

All images in this post were created by Sarah Bell from Our Nourishing Table.