SEAFOOD RISOTTO (RISOTTO AI FRUITTI DI MARE)

Seafood Risotto (Risotto ai Fruitti di Mare) image

Provided by Gianni Scappin

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 1/2 cups fish or vegetable stock
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/3 cups Carnaroli or Vialone Nano rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
8 small clams, such as Manila
8 mussels, scrubbed and debearded
4 ounces squid, cleaned and cut into thin rings
4 medium sea scallops
1/2 cup peeled, crushed, and seeded plum tomatoes
1/2 cup loosely packed chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon brandy
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, optional
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
N/A freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the fish or vegetable stock. Keep warm.
2. In a large saucepan over moderately low heat, warm the olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and the onion, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender (there should be no color), about 5 minutes. Add the rice and toast lightly for 1 minute without letting the rice or onion take on any color.
3. Add the wine and cook until almost completely absorbed. Add most of the stock (it should come about 1/2 inch above the rice) and bring to a simmer. Cook the risotto, stirring occasionally, until the rice has absorbed some of the liquid, about 8 minutes.
4. Add the clams, mussels, squid, scallops, and tomatoes, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is cooked and the rice is al dente, about 6 minutes more. As the rice continues to absorb the liquid, add more as needed.
5. Remove the risotto from the heat and add the parsley, garlic, brandy, olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, if using, and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir well to release the starches and make the risotto creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.