Saffron Risotto with Caviar: Golden Rice, Black Pearls

By Beleaev Family | International Caviar & Gourmet, Head Office London | beleaev.com

Saffron risotto with caviar combines two luxuries from opposite ends of Eurasia. Risotto Milanese (golden with saffron, butter, parmesan) topped with cold caviar pearls. The colour contrast alone is striking.

Key Takeaways
- Use proper Spanish or Iranian saffron threads
- Steep saffron in warm stock for 10 minutes first
- Carnaroli rice
- 15g of [Royal Oscietra](https://beleaev.com/products/royal-oscietra-caviar-copy) per portion
- Cool slightly before topping

Saffron risotto with caviar topping in shallow bowl

The Ingredients

Serves 4

  • 320g Carnaroli rice
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 30g unsalted butter, plus 30g cold for finishing
  • 100ml dry white wine
  • 1.2 litres hot light chicken stock
  • 1 small pinch saffron threads (around 0.5g)
  • 60g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
  • 60g Royal Oscietra
  • 1 tbsp finely sliced chives
  • Sea salt and white pepper

The Method

1. Steep saffron in 100ml of hot stock for 10 minutes.

2. Sweat onion in butter 6 minutes.

3. Add rice. Toast 90 seconds.

4. Add wine. Stir until absorbed.

5. Add saffron stock first, then continue with plain stock ladle by ladle for 17 minutes.

6. Off heat, mantecare with cold butter and parmesan.

7. Plate. Wait 60 seconds. Top with 15g caviar per portion. Scatter chives. Serve.

Tips

Steep saffron first. Releases colour and flavour.

Don't skip the steeping.

Cold butter at end.

Cool before caviar.

Variations and Pairings

With Beluga: 50g of Beluga XXL total.

With osso buco: Serve risotto Milanese-style alongside braised veal shanks.

Wine pairing: A Barbera or aged white Burgundy.

For more risotto, see our champagne risotto and lemon risotto with caviar recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Saffron amount?

0.5g for 4 portions. More overpowers. Less is undetectable.

Real saffron?

Spanish or Iranian threads, not "saffron powder". Saffron powder is often fake.

How much caviar?

15g per portion.

Saffron risotto with caviar is one of those dinners that proves Milanese tradition still has things to teach us. Discover Beleaev's caviar collection at beleaev.com.

Beleaev is an international caviar and gourmet house headquartered in London, with fulfilment hubs across the UK, Europe, the UAE, and the United States. We deliver responsibly farmed Beluga, Oscietra, Sevruga, and Kaluga caviar to customers in each region within 24 to 48 hours.

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