Risotto al Radicchio (Venetian Risotto with Bitter Red Chicory)

*Risotto al Radicchio* is a classic seasonal dish from the Veneto region, especially around Treviso, the home of the prized, deep red radicchio. This risotto is a study in balance: the subtle, satisfying bitterness of the wilted radicchio is perfectly contrasted by the sweetness of wine, the earthiness of the stock, and the luxurious richness of the final *mantecare* with butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The resulting dish is striking in its pinkish-purple hue, creamy texture (*all'onda*), and sophisticated bitter-sweet flavor profile.

📜 History: The Jewel of Treviso

Risotto al Radicchio owes its fame to the unique cultivation techniques of *Radicchio Rosso di Treviso I.G.P.* This chicory is forced to blanch (or “winterize”) to achieve its deep red color and elegant shape. The dish became a staple in the Veneto region, where both rice and radicchio are signature local products. The addition of a salty, cured meat like *speck* or a final drizzle of aged balsamic is common to complement the radicchio's strong, slightly bitter character.

🍷 Ingredients: The Bitter Note

The flavor depends entirely on using the correct vegetable and balancing the bitterness:

*Radicchio:* Use the oblong *Radicchio di Treviso* (if available) or the round *Chioggia* variety. It must be chopped and sautéed before being added to the rice.
*Rice:* *Carnaroli* is the best choice for its structure and superior starch content.
*Stock:* Hot, light *chicken or vegetable stock* is used.
*Wine:* Red wine (such as a local Merlot or Cabernet Franc) is often used to deglaze the rice, imparting a darker color and deeper flavor.
*Finish:* Plenty of butter and freshly grated *Parmigiano-Reggiano* are essential for the *mantecare* step to balance the bitterness.

A head of fresh, vibrant red radicchio, ready for chopping next to risotto rice. — Image 1: The distinct color and slight bitterness of the fresh radicchio are the central character of the dish.

🔪 The Technique: Wilting and Wine

Step 1: Sautéing the Radicchio

Sauté a finely minced shallot or onion in olive oil. Add the chopped radicchio and cook for 3–5 minutes until it is wilted and its volume has reduced significantly. This initial cooking softens the bitterness.
Remove half of the cooked radicchio and set aside for the final garnish.

Chopped radicchio wilting and reducing its volume in a pan with the soffritto. — Image 2: Wilting the radicchio slightly before mixing it with the rice helps temper its intense bitterness.

Step 2: Tostatura and Stock

Add the dry rice to the pan with the remaining radicchio and toast it (*tostatura*) for 1 minute.
Deglaze with a generous splash of *red wine* (this is where the color is deepened) and cook until evaporated.
Begin adding the hot stock gradually, ladle by ladle, stirring constantly, until the rice is perfectly *al dente* (about 18–20 minutes).

Step 3: Mantecare (Creaming Off Heat)

When the rice is ready, remove the pot *completely from the heat*.
Stir in a generous knob of *cold butter* and a handful of freshly grated *Parmigiano-Reggiano*.
Cover and let rest for 2 minutes. Stir vigorously (*mantecare*) until the fat, cheese, and starchy liquid emulsify into a thick, glossy, flowing cream (*all'onda*).

Step 4: Serving

Serve immediately. Garnish with the reserved sautéed radicchio and, optionally, a few drops of aged balsamic vinegar or some crisp pieces of *speck*.

A serving of creamy, purple-pink radicchio risotto, showing the flowing, thick texture and dark bits of chicory. — Image 3: The final color should be a beautiful pink-purple, with the consistency being creamy and loose (*all'onda*).

💡 Troubleshooting & Chef's Notes

Issue	Cause	Solution/Tip
Dish is too bitter.	Did not sauté the radicchio long enough, or used too little fat/cheese in the finish.	Ensure the radicchio is properly wilted. Increase the amount of butter and Parmigiano during mantecare to coat the bitterness. A pinch of sugar in the sofrito can also help.
Color is gray/brown.	Cooked the red wine/radicchio mixture too harshly at the beginning.	Ensure the heat is gentle when deglazing with red wine. If using high heat, the final color will be muted.
Risotto is soupy.	Added too much stock at the end, or rice was undercooked.	The final stir should result in a thick cream. If too thin, continue to cook briefly while stirring vigorously until the starch binds, then mantecare again.