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Splash of Taste – Vegetarian Recipes

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Home / Vegetarian

Risotto zafferano – saffron risotto

Published October 18, 2021 | Updated November 27, 2022 | By Mandy & Jane

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Our creamy risotto zafferano has the subtle fragrant spice of saffron, with a delicious buttery taste, that makes it so good. Our friends from Milan first got us hooked on this traditional Milanese dish years ago and we’ve been making it ever since – trust us, it’s good!

A bowl of delicious riso allo zafferano saffron risotto homemade and ready to eat.

Why you’ll love our zafferano risotto recipe

  • This amazing buttery, creamy saffron risotto only takes 20 minutes to make with only a few ingredients.
  • It’s a one pot dish, so you won’t have endless washing up to do!
  • It’s great-tasting comfort food, ideal as a main dinner or as a side dish.
  • It’s 100% vegetarian and can easily made into a vegan friendly dish.
Ingredients for making a risotto zafferanao, vegetable broth, sea salt, white wine, butter, saffron threads, arborio rice, Parmesan cheese, shallots and black peppe.r

Where is saffron risotto from?

Saffron Risotto is also known as Risotto alla Milanese, so you won’t be surprised to learn that it originates from Milan.

The traditional recipe uses beef stock 9or meat broth), lard, and beef bone marrow, but don’t worry our saffron risotto is completely vegetarian and we use vegetable stock or broth and butter instead of lard.

We love risotto but know that some people think that it’s a difficult dish to make. We’re here to show you that making risotto is simple and if you follow our easy recipe then you’ll make a perfect dish every time!

Overhead shot of bowls of saffron risotto ready to eat.

What is saffron?

Although it’s not officially known, it’s believed that saffron originated from Iran.

It’s a deep red, fragrant and subtle spice that can be added into dishes as it is, in saffron threads or it can be used as saffron powder.

Saffron is often referred to as the world’s most expensive spice and there’s a reason for this.

It’s derived from a flower that’s commonly known as the saffron crocus and the three stigmas from the flower are handpicked, they are then placed on trays and dried over fires made from charcoal, so it’s no wonder that it’s costly.

The good thing about saffron is that a little goes a long way, so only use a few saffron threads or a pinch of saffron powder in saffron risotto.

allo zafferano saffron risotto made from scratch with white wine in the background.

Which is the best risotto rice to use?

It’s important that your saffron risotto has a silky creamy texture to it, so you’ll need to pick risotto rice that is known for its creamy consistency.

We’ve used carnaroli rice as it’s so beautifully creamy and whenever we visit Italy, it’s always the chefs preferred risotto rice.

Vialone nano is another good creamy risotto rice but not always as widely available.

Arborio rice is normally the risotto rice that most people are familiar with as it’s readily available but it’s not as creamy as the others, so it’s good to shop around to see if you can find carnaroli or vialone nano rice.

Delicious Risotto allo Zafferano ready to eat.

What cheese should I use?

This is a vegetarian recipe so we’ve used vegetarian parmesan cheese.

You may be tempted to use parmigiano reggiano cheese but don’t because parmigiano reggiano isn’t vegetarian.

If you’re cooking for a vegan, then you’ll need to use vegan cheese.

A pan of just made riso allo zafferano saffron risotto.

What consistency should risotto rice be?

Our risotto allo zafferano should be a wonderfully creamy risotto.

You need to make sure that you don’t overcook it.

Keep tasting it, it should be al dente.

Al dente means that it should still be firm to the bite.

If you overcook risotto rice, then the rice grains become mushy.

Close up of pan of risotto zafferano and a cheese grater.

How do I store it?

You can store risotto allo zafferano in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

While you can freeze saffron risotto, we wouldn’t recommend it as the consistency is a little mushy when reheated.

Recipe notes and tips

  • Cooking for a vegan?
    Replace the butter for vegan butter and the vegetarian parmesan for vegan cheese.
  • Watch your heat
    You want to keep your risotto cooking on medium heat, don’t be tempted to turn it to a high heat and add too much vegetable stock in at once or you’ll boil the rice
Homemade risotto zafferano with finely grated cheese.

How to make saffron risotto with step-by-step instructions

Making our risotto allo zafferano or saffron risotto is so easy if you follow our simple instructions.

Add half the butter to a frying pan or skillet over medium heat, then add your shallots and sauté until the shallots have softened approximately 3 minutes.

Process shots on how to make a allo zafferano saffron risotto, add butter, shallots, arborio rice and saffron threads.

Now add the risotto rice and the saffron threads and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.

Then add your white wine and cook until it has almost evaporated, keep stirring.

Now add a third of your vegetable broth or stock, and keep stirring until the liquid has almost evaporated, and repeat until you have used all the vegetable broth or stock.

Process shots on how to make a allo zafferano saffron risotto add white wine, vegetable broth, butter and cheese.

Cook until your risotto rice is al dente, and then add in the remaining butter and stir to combine.

Finally, add in vegetarian parmesan cheese, stir until it’s fully combined and season with salt and black pepper.

Serve immediately and garnish with a little finely grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious yellow rice!

Bowls of homemade classic risotto zafferano, wih cheese and saffron threads.

We hope that you enjoy making our saffron risotto and would love to hear how you got on making it.

Please leave a comment below or feel free to ask any questions you may have.

More easy vegetarian recipes for you to make at home

  • Mushroom risotto – bursting full of mushrooms with a parmesan cheese and nutty garnish, this is always a favorite in our household!
  • Tomato risotto – a light yet rich tomato flavor, if you love tomatoes then this is the risotto for you and it’s made in just 20 minutes!
  • Vegetarian stew – a bowl of comfort food, with sweet potatoes, mushrooms and beans, this is a real crowd pleaser!
  • Spaghetti aglio e olio – garlic lovers will be delighted with this easy pasta dish that takes just 15 minutes to make!
  • Arrabbiata sauce – this spicy tomato sauce is wonderful with so many dishes, you need this in your life!

Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!

Risotto zafferano saffron risotto homemade in a bowl.
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RISOTTO ZAFFERANO (SAFFRON RISOTTO)

Deliciously creamy & buttery risotto zafferano, saffron risotto is easy to make in 20 mins & tastes SO good. A real crowd pleaser! Perfect comfort food and ideal as either a main course or a side dish.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings4
Calories750
Course: Lunch, Main course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Mandy Applegate | Splash of Taste
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Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp Butter divided in 2
  • 2 Shallots diced
  • 2.5 cups Risotto rice
  • 1 tsp Saffron
  • 1 cups White wine
  • 7 cups Vegetable stock or broth
  • 3 oz Vegetarian Parmesan cheese and extra to garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Add half the butter to a frying pan or skillet over medium heat, then add your shallots and sauté until the shallots have softened approximately 3 minutes. Now add the risotto rice and the saffron threads and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon
    6 tbsp Butter, 2 Shallots, 2.5 cups Risotto rice, 1 tsp Saffron
    Process shots on how to make a allo zafferano saffron risotto, add butter, shallots, arborio rice and saffron threads.
  • Then add your white wine and cook until it has almost evaporated, keep stirring. Now add a third of your vegetable broth or stock, and keep stirring until the liquid has almost evaporated, and repeat until you have used all the vegetable broth or stock
    1 cups White wine, 7 cups Vegetable stock or broth
  • Cook until your risotto rice is al dente, and then add in the remaining butter and stir to combine. Finally, add in vegetarian parmesan cheese, stir until it's fully combined and season with salt and black pepper
    3 oz Vegetarian Parmesan cheese, Salt and pepper to taste
    Process shots on how to make a allo zafferano saffron risotto add white wine, vegetable broth, butter and cheese.
  • Serve immediately and garnish with a little finely grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious yellow rice!

Notes

  • Cooking for a vegan?
    Replace the butter for vegan butter and the vegetarian parmesan for vegan cheese
  • Watch your heat
    You want to keep your risotto cooking on medium heat, don’t be tempted to turn it to high heat and add too much vegetable stock in at once or you’ll boil the rice

Nutrition

Calories: 750kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 2069mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1509IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 6mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. lynn polito says

    October 18, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic! I love risotto and this is a wonderful recipe!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:18 am

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  2. Aimee says

    October 18, 2021 at 2:54 pm

    5 stars
    Risotto always seems so daunting, but this is a great recipe! I love the saffron, it really adds something special.

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Thank you! The saffron gives it a great color, doesn’t it!

  3. Cindy says

    October 18, 2021 at 2:58 pm

    5 stars
    Risotto is my comfort food. This is absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:20 am

      So pleased you enjoyed it!

  4. Kim says

    October 18, 2021 at 7:52 pm

    5 stars
    This risotto was go good and fortunately I had all the ingredients on hand! Even the kids loved this one. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:20 am

      That’s great! Kids love the buttery taste don’t they!

  5. Anne says

    October 18, 2021 at 8:16 pm

    5 stars
    Risotto is one of my favorites and I imagine saffron makes it even better!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:39 am

      Yes, it does, it gives it a delicate fragrant flavor!

  6. Sachiko says

    October 18, 2021 at 11:58 pm

    5 stars
    Ooh this dish is as tasty as it looks!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:39 am

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  7. Kathy Hester says

    October 19, 2021 at 12:33 am

    5 stars
    The vegan version was great! I used Miyoko’s vegan butter and Violife parm.

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:40 am

      They are great vegan substitutes and we’re really pleased you enjoyed it!

  8. laura says

    October 19, 2021 at 3:04 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is shear perfection!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:40 am

      Thank you – we’re so thrilled you loved it!

  9. Jenn says

    October 19, 2021 at 12:52 pm

    5 stars
    What a gorgeous dish! The color is fabulous and the subtle flavors divine!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 20, 2021 at 8:43 am

      Thank you, we’re so pleased you enjoyed it!

  10. Megan says

    October 19, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Who doesn’t love risotto? The saffron is a wonderful addition.

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 20, 2021 at 8:44 am

      So pleased you liked it!

  11. Helen says

    October 19, 2021 at 3:32 pm

    5 stars
    this is just glorious, the taste and that beautiful colour!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 21, 2021 at 10:57 am

      So pleased you enjoyed it!

  12. Lauren says

    October 19, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    The last big trip we took before everything shut down was to Milan and the food there was so good! I can’t wait to make this risotto at home!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 21, 2021 at 10:58 am

      Italian food is so tasty isn’t it and this risotto will take you straight back to Milan!

  13. Alejandra says

    October 19, 2021 at 4:46 pm

    5 stars
    I love saffron rice but have never tried saffron risotto. Looks incredible!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 21, 2021 at 10:58 am

      Thank you and we hope you enjoy it!

  14. Becky says

    October 19, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    5 stars
    I really love saffron. I am making this tonight! Looks absolutely delish.

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 21, 2021 at 10:59 am

      That’s great to hear, we hope you enjoyed cooking (and eating) it!

  15. Sherry Ronning says

    October 22, 2021 at 1:45 am

    5 stars
    I just learned how to make risotto a couple of months ago and how easy it is to make. Your recipe will be a great addition to my risotto recipe collection.

    Reply

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We love sharing our vegetarian food and drink recipes with you. If you’re cutting down on meat, going vegetarian or vegan, there’s something delicious to eat and drink for you here
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