What is Vercelli panissa, you might be wondering? Essentially, it’s a type of risotto made with Arborio rice, borlotti beans, and salami or pancetta. What sets Vercelli panissa apart from other risotto dishes is the addition of the borlotti beans – they give the dish a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
To make Vercelli panissa, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 150g of pancetta or salami, chopped
– 400g of Arborio rice
– 1 liter of chicken or vegetable stock
– 400g of cooked borlotti beans
– 50g of grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Begin by heating a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Next, add the pancetta or salami and fry until it’s golden and crispy.
3. Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir for a few minutes until the rice is coated in the oil and has slightly toasted.
4. Begin adding the chicken or vegetable stock to the rice, about a ladleful at a time. Stir constantly and wait until the rice has absorbed the liquid before adding more. Continue doing this until the rice is cooked through (approximately 20-25 minutes).
5. Once the rice is cooked, stir through the cooked borlotti beans and grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the Vercelli panissa hot and garnished with a little parsley or extra parmesan cheese.
Vercelli panissa is an incredibly hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for those cooler evenings when you crave something comforting. The combination of the nutty beans, salty pancetta or salami, and creamy risotto is truly delicious and will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
When cooking the dish, remember to be patient and to stir the risotto frequently. This will help release the starches from the Arborio rice and create that creamy texture that Vercelli panissa is known for.
If you’re looking for a little variation, you could consider adding diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the dish. But otherwise, this recipe is pretty perfect just as it is.
In conclusion, Vercelli panissa is a hearty and delicious dish that’s perfect for colder months. It’s simple to make, but has a rich and complex flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So why not give it a go and see why this dish has been a favorite in Italy for centuries? Buon appetito!