Tianjin-style Caviar Risotto

Ingredients

In this Tianjin-style adaptation, we infuse the traditional Italian risotto with Tianjin flavors and ingredients. The original Italian dish is typically made with Arborio rice, broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese. However, in this Tianjin-style version, we incorporate Tianjin spices and ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. Additionally, we substitute the traditional Parmesan cheese with a local Tianjin cheese to add a unique twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Risotto al caviale, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Tianjin chili sauce 1 tablespoon Tianjin chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Tianjin fermented soybean paste 1 tablespoon Tianjin fermented soybean paste
• 1 tablespoon Tianjin rice wine 1 tablespoon Tianjin rice wine
• 1 cup (240ml) Tianjin-style cheese, grated 1 cup (240ml) Tianjin-style cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60g) caviar 1/4 cup (60g) caviar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains with the oil. Toast the rice for a few minutes until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges.
3. 3.
   In a separate pot, heat the chicken or vegetable broth until simmering.
4. 4.
   Begin adding the hot broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is cooked al dente, with a slight bite to it.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the Tianjin chili sauce, fermented soybean paste, and rice wine. Add this mixture to the risotto and stir well to incorporate.
6. 6.
   Stir in the grated Tianjin-style cheese and heavy cream until the cheese has melted and the risotto is creamy.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove the risotto from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Serve the Tianjin-style Caviar Risotto in individual bowls, topping each portion with a generous spoonful of caviar.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a better texture in the risotto.
• Tianjin chili sauce — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Tianjin-style cheese — If you can't find Tianjin-style cheese, you can substitute it with a mild, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve the perfect creamy texture, stir the risotto constantly while adding the broth gradually.
• Use high-quality caviar for the best flavor experience.
• Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like chives or dill for added freshness.
• Experiment with different types of caviar to discover your favorite flavor combination.
• Serve the Tianjin-style Caviar Risotto immediately after cooking to enjoy it at its best.

Serving advice

Serve the Tianjin-style Caviar Risotto as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

Present the Tianjin-style Caviar Risotto in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant caviar to stand out against the creamy white risotto. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of Tianjin chili oil for an elegant touch.