The key to a great risotto is balance. The limoncello in this recipe provides a subtle citrus sweetness, while the fresh lemon juice, Parmesan, and saffron add brightness, richness, and depth. The finished dish should be creamy, savory, and lemon-forward.
Risotto di Limone con gamberi | Lemon Parmesan Risotto with Pan-Roasted Shrimp | Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Risotto:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup limoncello
- 2 shallots, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pinch saffron
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Garlic seasoning to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Steep the saffron in the warm water.
- Warm the stock in a saucepan over low heat.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium heat; cook shallots 2-3 minutes until softened, not browned.
- Add rice; stir 1-2 minutes to toast lightly.
- Add limoncello; stir until mostly absorbed.
- Add stock 1/2 cup at a time, stirring often, letting each addition absorb before adding more, about 18-22 minutes, until creamy and tender with a slight bite.
- Stir in saffron, soaking water, lemon zest, sage and thyme; add lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat; stir in remaining butter and Parmesan. Add more lemon juice to taste—risotto should be creamy and loose.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat; melt butter, season shrimp with garlic seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly browned.
- Spoon risotto onto warm plates, top with shrimp, and finish with grated Parmesan, lemon zest and cracked pepper.
Dr. Vito Errico is a radiologist by day and a passionate home cook by night. He is a senior parter at Diagnostic Imaging of Milford, specializing in Neuroradiology and offering procedures at Milford Hospital. He attended medical school at Stony Brook University. For more information, visit dimilford.com.