Ricette di Sicilia

Name: Courgette Risotto: A Springtime Hug in a Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Sicilian
Ingredients: 320g risotto rice (Carnaroli or Arborio); 3 medium courgettes; half an onion; 4 basil leaves; 2 sage leaves; half a glass of dry white wine; 1 litre hot vegetable stock; 60g grated Ragusa DOP cheese; 30g butter; a pinch of nutmeg; extra virgin olive oil, as needed; salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Courgette Risotto: A Springtime Hug in a Bowl

Delve into this spring-inspired courgette risotto, blending vibrant freshness, silky creaminess, and the true essence of Sicilian flavours.

Author: Maria Russo • Published on: January 24, 2023

Categories: First Courses Vegetarian recipes

Tags: basil vegetable broth butter caciocavallo cheese onions nutmeg extra-virgin olive oil black pepper rice salt sage white wine zucchini

⏱️

Prep Time

about 10 minutes

🔥

Cook Time

around 30 minutes

👥

Serve

Serves 4

📊

Difficulty

Easy

💰 Moderate

🗓️ Spring

⭐ 4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 320g risotto rice (Carnaroli or Arborio)

✓ 3 medium courgettes

✓ half an onion

✓ 4 basil leaves

✓ 2 sage leaves

✓ half a glass of dry white wine

✓ 1 litre hot vegetable stock

✓ 60g grated Ragusa DOP cheese

✓ 30g butter

✓ a pinch of nutmeg

✓ extra virgin olive oil, as needed

✓ salt, to taste

✓ freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

370 Kcal

Protein

9 g

Fat

13 g

Carbohydrates

53 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugars

3 g

Sodium

650 mg

If you fancy capturing the spirit of spring on your plate, this courgette risotto is just the ticket. Light yet indulgently creamy, this Sicilian vegetarian dish celebrates the delicate freshness of courgettes paired with fragrant herbs like basil and sage. With a generous helping of Ragusa cheese, it’s an elegant yet wholesome risotto perfect for any occasion.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

Prepare your vegetable stock and keep it hot throughout the cooking process.
2

Dice the courgettes and gently sauté them in a pan with extra virgin olive oil and chopped onion until soft and lightly golden.
3

Blend half of the courgettes with the basil and sage leaves until you have a smooth, aromatic purée.
4

In the same pan, toast the rice for a few minutes, then deglaze with the white wine, allowing it to evaporate.
5

Gradually add the hot stock, stirring occasionally, and fold in the courgette purée halfway through cooking.
6

Once the rice is just tender, stir in the butter, Ragusa cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg to achieve a rich, creamy finish.
7

Serve your courgette risotto piping hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper.

💡 Tips and Variations

For an extra burst of freshness, try grating a little lemon zest over the risotto, or toss in some delicate courgette flowers for a more distinctly spring feel. If you prefer a stronger flavour, swap the Ragusa cheese for aged caciocavallo.

📦 Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water to restore that luscious creaminess.
• Avoid freezing as it can affect the risotto’s texture.
• You can prepare the courgette purée in advance and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this courgette risotto with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo, a Sicilian white wine known for its zesty citrus aromas and fresh palate, perfectly complementing the dish’s creamy and herbaceous notes.

Why not bring a touch of Sicilian spring to your kitchen with this delightful courgette risotto? It’s an inviting dish that promises comfort and sophistication in every spoonful. Best enjoyed in good company, it’s sure to please family and friends alike — so do share the love, and perhaps even the recipe!