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Apple and gorgonzola risotto

⏱ 20 min🍳 20 min👤 2 pp★★★☆☆

Can it possibly be wrong to reinterpret certain classic dishes of our regional cuisines, to give them a new lease of life, maybe even using products from outside the local area and thereby combining ingredients from different areas, with the result being unusual, imaginative, enticing but always pleasant in an unpredictable way? Then get ready to try our delicious and intriguing main course which certainly mixes different elements, but in a combination that is particularly inviting: we are talking about our special risotto made with apples and gorgonzola. It could be an ideal main course to celebrate a special day, something to be served with satisfaction by those who know exactly how to shake up the habits of a lifetime and fire the imagination. So don’t waste any more time, check out step-by-step the innovative recipe created by our chef: you will be immersed in a journey through the mountains.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving
Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
48g
Fat
18g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
20 minutes Cooking time
Serves 2 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Chop the shallots. Core the apples and dice some of them with the skin on, and others with the skin peeled off. Cut the spring onion into thin strips. Make the risotto by frying the chopped shallots and the apple with the peel, then add the rice and water to cover, and proceed with cooking as per a normal risotto. Fry the spring onions in a pan with a little olive oil, until crispy. Melt a little butter in another pan and cook the remaining apples in the butter, adding a little sugar to caramelize. Add the saffron to give a little light flavour. Add a splash of water and braise until the apples turn orange. Stir a knob of butter into the risotto. Add plenty of gorgonzola and continue to stir. Serve the risotto in the middle of the plate, adding a few pieces of the saffron caramelized apple and garnished with the strips of spring onion. This invention of our chef is ready.

Tips
Do you want a risotto cooked to perfection? Well, it’s important to use the most appropriate rice: choose a Carnaroli or Vialone Nano.
Trivia
Risotto is one of the classics of Milanese cuisine: flavoured with gorgonzola (also from Milan), but this time we also enhance the flavour with some Trentino apples.

Step by step

Shallot
Shallot
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto with Walnuts

A delicious variation of the classic Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto includes the addition of chopped walnuts. The walnuts not only provide an unexpected crunch but also enrich the dish with their unique flavor and nutritional properties. To prepare this version, simply toast the walnuts lightly in a pan and add them to the risotto during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they will blend perfectly with the gorgonzola and apples, creating a balance of textures and flavors that enhances the original recipe. Additionally, walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.

Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto Trentino Style

The Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto Trentino Style is a preparation that reflects the culinary tradition of this region. Here, the risotto is cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously. Using local apples, such as the Val di Non apple, the dish gains an authentic flavor and enveloping aroma. The cooking technique involves gradually adding broth while constantly stirring to achieve a creamy consistency. This regional variant enhances the gorgonzola, famous throughout Italy, making the risotto a dish that tells the gastronomic history of Trentino, where the quality of ingredients is essential.

Light Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto without Butter

For those seeking a lighter version of the Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto, it can be prepared without butter. By replacing the butter with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a lighter and healthier dish is achieved without compromising flavor. Additionally, the amount of gorgonzola can be reduced while still maintaining a good balance of flavors. This light version is ideal for those who want to enjoy a creamy and flavorful risotto but with fewer calories. The apples, rich in fiber and vitamins, help make the dish nutritious and digestible, perfect for those following a balanced diet.

Benefits of Apples in Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto

Apples, the main ingredient in Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto, offer numerous health benefits. These fruits are rich in fiber, which promotes digestion and helps maintain cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, apples are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Depending on the variety, an apple can contain about 50-80 calories, making this risotto not only a delicious dish but also a nutritious choice for daily meals.

Can Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto be Frozen?

Many wonder if it is possible to freeze Trentino Apple and Gorgonzola Risotto. The answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the risotto before adding the gorgonzola, as the cheese may alter the consistency once thawed. To freeze, allow the risotto to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container suitable for the freezer. When you decide to consume it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it slowly in a pan, adding a bit of broth or water to restore the desired consistency. This way, you can enjoy your risotto even days after preparation.