Ingredients:
- Arborio rice: 2 cups
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Onion: 1, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- White wine: 1/2 cup
- Short-grain rice: 200g
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, dried thyme, and a pinch of saffron)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Chopped parsley: for garnish
- Lemon zest: for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, dried thyme, and a pinch of saffron. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Heat the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling. Keep it warm over low heat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir frequently for a few minutes until the rice is well coated with butter and starts to look slightly translucent.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and stir until it's absorbed by the rice.
- Add the Tea Rubs: Sprinkle the tea rubs over the rice and stir well to combine.
- Add the Broth: Start adding the warm broth to the rice, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir and Season: Continue to stir the risotto and add more broth as needed. When the rice is almost cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the risotto from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the risotto, complementing the traditional Italian flavors.
- Be patient with the broth addition process; it's what gives the risotto its creamy texture.
- This Italian Risotto with Tea Rubs is perfect for a cozy dinner or a sophisticated gathering. Serve with a glass of Italian wine for a complete Italian dining experience.