Sautéed rice with speck and radicchio is a flavorful dish that brings together the smoky richness of cured meat and the slightly bitter elegance of leafy greens. Inspired by Northern Italian cuisine, this recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
To begin, cook your rice in advance and let it cool slightly. Day-old rice works best, as it holds its shape and absorbs flavors more effectively during sautéing. While the rice is resting, prepare the key ingredients. Thinly slice speck, a cured and lightly smoked ham that adds depth and a savory note to the dish. Wash and chop radicchio into bite-sized pieces, keeping its vibrant purple color intact.
Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic for an extra layer of aroma. Next, add the speck and cook until it becomes slightly crisp and releases its smoky fragrance.
Add the radicchio to the pan and cook briefly, just until it begins to wilt. Its bitterness will mellow slightly but still provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of the speck. Now it’s time to add the rice. Break up any clumps and stir it into the pan, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
For added depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine and let it evaporate. Finish the dish with a handful of grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of butter for creaminess. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through.
Serve the sautéed rice hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. The result is a comforting yet refined dish that balances smoky, bitter, and savory notes beautifully. It’s a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into something memorable.
Ingredients
- 50 g Cheese
- 1 g Hatch Chillis
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 50g of Cheese, diced Hatch Chilli, 1 tsp of Garlic Powder, 0.5 tsp of Cumin, 0.5 tsp of Salt, and 0.25 tsp of Pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients until evenly combined.
- Lightly grease a small baking dish with 1 tbsp of Olive Oil.
- Transfer the cheese and chili mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm with chips or bread.