Enjoy the creamy and savory combination of bacon and arborio rice with this delicious bacon risotto recipe. The creamy texture of the risotto perfectly complements the crispy bacon bits, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite protein.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In the same skillet or pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the arborio rice to the pot and stir it into the onion and garlic mixture, ensuring that each grain of rice is well coated in the fat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the rice starts to turn slightly translucent.
- Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
- Begin adding the broth to the pot, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until each cup is absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until all of the broth has been added and the rice is tender and creamy. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the crispy bacon back into the risotto and stir to distribute it evenly.
- Serve the bacon risotto hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Arborio rice is a short-grain rice commonly used in risotto due to its high starch content, which gives the dish its creamy texture.
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Northern Italy and is typically made with a mixture of rice, broth, and other ingredients.
The key to a successful risotto is to add the broth slowly and stir constantly, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid gradually and release its starches, resulting in a creamy consistency.