Nigella Prawn Risotto Recipe

Dive into the world of gourmet cooking with Nigella Lawson's twist on a classic Italian dish, the Citrus Risotto with Chilli Garlic Prawns. This delightful recipe, inspired by Bill Grainger's original creation, is a testament to the blend of tangy citrus and spicy prawns, providing a refreshing take on the traditional risotto.

Nigella Prawn Risotto Recipe: A Culinary Delight

Cultural or Historical Context

Risotto, a north Italian rice dish, is revered for its creamy texture, achieved by stirring hot stock into arborio rice. Nigella Lawson, an English food writer and cooking show host, adds her unique touch to this dish with the infusion of citrus and prawns, showcasing her ability to marry traditional techniques with contemporary flavors.

Ingredients List

For a serving of 4, gather the following:

• Chicken stock (1.5 litres)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• A small, finely diced onion
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon)
• Butter (50 grams)
• Arborio rice (330 grams)
• Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon)
• Freshly ground pepper
• Small red chillies (2)
• Garlic cloves (2)
• Extra olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Raw prawns, shelled and deveined but tails intact (20)
• Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (28 grams)

Preparation Instructions

1. Keep the chicken stock at a simmer.
2. In a heavy pan, cook the onion, salt, and half the butter until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the arborio rice until well coated, then gradually add the stock, ensuring each addition is absorbed before adding the next.
4. After the rice is creamy yet al dente, incorporate the remaining butter, lemon zest, and juice.
5. Cook the prawns with garlic and chilli, then top the risotto with this mixture.
6. Serve garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

Storage and Reheating

Cool any leftovers quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat thoroughly in a pan, adding a little water or stock to loosen the risotto.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in carbohydrates and proteins, with moderate fat from the olive oil and butter. The exact nutritional values depend on the portion size and specific ingredients used.

FAQ about the Nigella Prawn Risotto Recipe

• Can I use frozen prawns? Yes, ensure they're thoroughly defrosted and patted dry before cooking.
• What if I don't have arborio rice? Arborio is preferred for its creamy texture, but carnaroli or vialone nano can be substitutes.
• Is there a vegetarian alternative? Yes, replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit prawns or use a plant-based alternative.

This recipe is a community submission to Nigella.com and hasn't been tested by Nigella.com, so it carries the unique flair of home cooks​​​​. For those who love the comforting ritual of making risotto and the zest of citrus flavors, this dish is a must-try, blending the best of Italian tradition with Nigella's signature style. For an added layer of comfort, consider pairing it with Nigella's Lemon Risotto, which emphasizes the soothing process of risotto-making and the comforting balance of lemon and rosemary​​.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting warmth of this exquisite dish, a perfect example of how traditional recipes can be transformed into modern classics with a few simple twists.