Crni Rižot
Black Risotto
A rich and flavorful seafood risotto, famous for its striking black color derived from cuttlefish ink. It's a staple along the Montenegrin coast, often made with fresh, locally caught cuttlefish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Arborio rice
- 500 g Cuttlefish(cleaned, ink sacs reserved, body cut into small pieces)
- 2 tbsp Cuttlefish ink
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 150 ml White wine
- 1 liter Fish or vegetable broth(warmed)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Parsley(freshly chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pan or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the cuttlefish pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until they change color.
- 4
Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate for a couple of minutes.
- 5
Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains with the oil and cuttlefish juices. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes.
- 6
Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladleful.
💡 Tip: Stirring releases starch, creating a creamy texture. - 7
About halfway through the cooking process (around 15-20 minutes), stir in the reserved cuttlefish ink. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is al dente (about 20-25 minutes total rice cooking time).
💡 Tip: The risotto should be creamy but not soupy. - 8
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as cuttlefish can be salty. - 9
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure cuttlefish ink sacs are intact when cleaning the cuttlefish to avoid losing the ink.
- ✓Use good quality cuttlefish for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the cuttlefish; it should be tender.
- ✓The risotto should have a flowing, creamy consistency, not stiff.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few shrimp or mussels along with the cuttlefish for extra seafood flavor.
- A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.