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Risotto alla Milanese

Creamy Carnaroli rice stained golden by saffron, finished with butter and Parmesan — the shimmering signature of Milan.

⏱ 10 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Risotto alla Milanese - creamy golden saffron risotto with parmesan

Risotto alla Milanese glows with saffron, turning creamy arborio rice a brilliant gold. Slowly stirred with broth, butter, and Parmesan, it’s the luxurious dish that defines Milanese cooking.

Saffron gives the risotto its signature color and subtle perfume, and it’s the traditional partner for braised ossobuco. Serve it as a first course or alongside braised meats — always hot, always creamy.

Master the rice and you master the dish: How to Cook Perfect Rice Every Time.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Warm the broth in a saucepan and keep it at a gentle simmer.
  2. Cook the onion in the oil and half the butter until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the rice and toast, stirring, for 2 minutes until the edges turn translucent.
  4. Pour in the wine and stir until absorbed; then add hot broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and letting each addition absorb before adding the next.
  5. After about 18 minutes, when the rice is creamy but still al dente, stir in the saffron broth, remaining butter, and Parmesan.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, rest 2 minutes, and serve on warm plates.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Keep the broth hot and stir steadily — that motion is what coaxes out the rice's creamy starch. Taste as you go; the rice should be tender with a slight bite.

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Recipe details

Prep10 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →