How to Make French Prawn and Seafood Risotto
French prawn and seafood risotto is a delightful dish that combines the creamy texture of traditional risotto with the fresh flavors of the sea. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering seafood risotto that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
To make French prawn and seafood risotto, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup mixed seafood (like mussels, clams, or calamari)
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Stock
Start by warming the seafood stock in a saucepan over low heat. Keep it warm while you prepare the risotto, as adding hot stock helps the rice cook evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the grains with the oil and butter. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly translucent.
Step 4: Add the Wine
Pour in the dry white wine and stir constantly until the wine has completely absorbed into the rice. This process adds depth to the flavor of the risotto.
Step 5: Gradually Incorporate the Stock
Once the wine is absorbed, begin adding the warm seafood stock one ladle at a time. Stir the risotto continuously and only add more stock when the previous addition has been almost fully absorbed. Repeat this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
Step 6: Add the Seafood
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently fold in the prawns and mixed seafood. Continue stirring until the prawns are pink and the seafood is cooked through. This will ensure that the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Butter
Remove the risotto from heat and stir in the remaining butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The risotto should have a creamy consistency but not be overly runny.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the seafood risotto into serving bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can enhance the presentation and flavor.
Enjoy Your French Prawn and Seafood Risotto
This French prawn and seafood risotto is now ready to be enjoyed! Pair it with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe for a complete dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.