Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances comfort and excitement: Spicy Pork Meatballs with Parmesan Risotto! This Italian-inspired recipe combines the savory richness of ground pork meatballs infused with a kick of red pepper flakes, all nestled atop a creamy, decadent risotto that will have you coming back for seconds. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can impress your family or guests with a restaurant-quality meal that’s bursting with flavor. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible fusion of spice and comfort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on size.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for about 6-8 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- In a separate large saucepan, heat chicken broth and keep it simmering on low heat. This will be used for the risotto.
- In the same skillet used for meatballs, add Arborio rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in white wine and stir, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid. Once wine is mostly absorbed, begin adding hot chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
- Continue adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes, until rice is creamy and al dente. In the last 5 minutes, add remaining Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, gently nestling them into the risotto. Cover and let simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality ground pork and fresh Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and enhance the dish's creaminess.
- Don't Skip the Toasting: Toasting the Arborio rice before adding the liquid is crucial. It helps develop a nutty flavor and ensures a better texture in the final risotto.
- Stir Frequently: Risotto requires attention! Stirring frequently helps release the starches from the rice, creating that signature creamy texture.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. Conversely, feel free to add more if you love the heat!
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
