Move over white wine, risotto has a new favorite companion. Red! I was very skeptical about this combination at first, but it turned out fantastic! The richness of the red really complimented the creamy risotto. This would be a great accompaniment to a steak dinner. Or you could doctor up the risotto itself with things mushrooms, peas, Italian sausage, bacon, etc. to make a more complete meal.
When I received this bottle of 90+ Cellars Malbec, I knew I didn’t want to use it for a recipe that required a lot of it because Malbec is one of my favorite wines! I did however, want to incorporate it into the dish rather than just pair it with something. The best of both worlds!
Malbec Risotto
makes 4 servings
3 1/2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large or 2 small shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup arborio rice, or medium-grain white rice
1/2 cup 90+ Cellars Lot 23 Malbec
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus additional for serving
Salt and black pepper to taste
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Reduce the heat so the broth barely simmers, and keep warm.
In another saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about another two minutes. Add the rice and stir until it becomes opaque, about 2 minutes. Add the wine, a little at a time, and cook, stirring constantly, until all of the wine is nearly absorbed, 5 to 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add a cup of the hot broth mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is almost completely absorbed. Continue adding the broth, a 1/2 cup at a time and stir constantly, until the rice is tender but still slightly firm in the center and creamy, about 20 minutes.
Stir in the butter, cheese and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the risotto into bowls, top with more grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Make sure to head over to the 90+ Cellars website for more great recipes, and of course to shop wine for this holiday season!
*Note: I received this bottle of 90+ Cellars Malbec free of charge. Opinions on the wine are my own.
