Smoked haddock risotto
Flakes of firm, gently smoked haddock make a wonderful risotto. There is also a pleasing symmetry to this dish, in that poaching the haddock in vegetable stock produces a deeply flavoured liquor, which is then used to cook the rice.
Each serving provides 554 kcals, 26g protein, 67g carbohydrates (of which 2g sugars) 18g fat (of which 7g saturates), 2g fibre and 1.2g salt.
Ingredients
- 1.3 litres/2¼ pints light vegetable stock
- 350g/12oz smoked haddock
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 40²µ/1½´Ç³ú butter
- 1 small brown onion, finely chopped
- 3 flatleaf parsley stems, stalks finely chopped, leaves reserved and roughly chopped
- pinch salt
- 320²µ/11½´Ç³ú risotto rice
- 100ml/3½fl oz white wine
- 1 lemon, zest only
Method
Put the cold stock and haddock in a pan, and bring to a simmer. Leave to simmer for 3 minutes, then lift the fish out of the pan carefully using a slotted spoon and break into flakes using a fork. Leave the stock gently simmering at the back of the stove.
Put the olive oil, 20g/¾oz butter, onion, parsley stalks and a pinch of salt in a large, deep saucepan or flameproof casserole. Cook over a medium-low heat until the onion is soft and starting to turn translucent. Add the rice and stir so every grain is coated with the oil and butter.
Add the wine and let it evaporate. Make a note of the time, and start adding the vegetable stock one ladle at a time, stirring the rice attentively and vigorously until all the liquid is absorbed, before adding the next ladleful. Continue adding the stock ladle by ladle, adding the flaked haddock after 16 minutes, working on the principle the cooking time will be 17–20 minutes depending on the rice. Keep tasting. It is ready when the rice is plump and firm but without any chalky bite. The risotto should be soft, fluid and creamy.
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the remaining butter, parsley leaves and lemon zest, then serve.
Recipe Tips
Use the best risotto rice you can find – ideally arborio, carnaroli or vialone nano rice.