Risotto with 30-month-aged Grana Padano Riserva is a dish that captures the essence of Italy in every spoonful. The cheese's long maturation imparts notes of melted butter and dried fruit to the risotto, along with an elegant aromatic depth. The final mantecatura with cold butter and Grana Padano PDO Riserva 30 months creates a creamy, glossy and perfectly balanced texture.
Ingredients (serves 4)
320 g Carnaroli or Vialone Nano rice
150 g freshly grated Grana Padano PDO Riserva 30 months
1.2 litres of hot stock (vegetable or meat)
1 small white onion
80 g cold butter
100 ml dry white wine
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Method Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the finely chopped onion. Cook gently for 5–7 minutes without letting it brown: it should become soft and translucent.
Add the rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the grains become glossy around the edges. Deglaze with the cold white wine and allow it to evaporate completely.
Begin cooking by adding the hot stock one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Only add more stock once the previous ladleful has been absorbed. Cook for 16–18 minutes: the rice should remain al dente.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cold cubed butter and the grated Grana Padano Riserva. Stir vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the risotto becomes creamy and glossy. Cover and leave to rest for 1 minute before serving.
Chef's tips
use freshly grated 30-month-aged Grana Padano Riserva
keep the stock hot at all times
be careful with the salt: the cheese is already flavourful
add shavings of Grana Padano to the finished dish for an extra touch
Why Grana Padano Riserva 30 months The long ageing concentrates the flavours and develops tyrosine crystals, a sign of quality. Compared to young Grana Padano, the Riserva has a more intense flavour and perfect solubility for the mantecatura.
Variations
Grana Padano and black pepper risotto
Grana Padano and porcini mushroom risotto
Risotto with Grana Padano and saffron
Discover our selection of Italian artisan cheeses.
