Risotto Renaissance

Creamy Garlic Broccoli Risotto with Flaked Salmon (Dairy-Free)

40 minutes
Serves 4
LunchItalianNut-free
Herb's take

Inspired by northern Italy's love affair with rice and seafood, this risotto brings together creamy arborio rice, garlicky broccoli, and luscious salmon, all without a drop of dairy. You'll master the art of rice coaxing: slowly adding broth and stirring for that signature texture.

Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

  1. 01
    Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 02
    Rub the salmon with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes, until just cooked through. Let rest.
  3. 03
    While the salmon cooks, heat the broth in a saucepan over low heat and keep it warm, not boiling.
  4. 04
    In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  5. 05
    Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. 06
    Add the arborio rice and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the grains look slightly translucent at the edges.
  7. 07
    Pour in the white wine and stir until almost completely absorbed.
  8. 08
    Add 1/2 cup of warm broth and stir gently but consistently. When most of the liquid is absorbed, add more broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring and letting it absorb before adding more. Repeat until the rice is creamy but al dente, about 18-22 minutes total. You may not use all the broth.
  9. 09
    When 10 minutes of rice cooking remain, stir in the broccoli florets so they cook through but stay vibrant.
  10. 10
    Once the rice is done and the broccoli is tender, remove from heat. Flake the roasted salmon into large chunks and fold gently into the risotto. Add lemon zest, remaining salt, and black pepper.
  11. 11
    Spoon the risotto into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, feeling quietly triumphant.

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