Joyce Goldstein

Riso del Sabato

Sabbath Rice

Preparation info

  • Difficulty

    Easy

  • Serves

    4 to 6

Appears in

Cucina Ebraica: Flavours of the Italian Jewish Kitchen

Cucina Ebraica

By Joyce Goldstein

Published 1998

The classic Italian Jewish Friday night rice dish is a simple saffron-flavored rice that recalls the classic risotto alla milanese. Some cooks make it in the manner of a risotto, adding broth in increments. Others prepare it as a pilaf, adding all the liquid at once and cooking it, covered, on top of the stove. In La cucina nella tradizione ebraica, the rice is sautéed in oil and the hot broth and saffron are added all at once. It is covered and put in the oven for 18 minutes. Once out of the oven it rests, covered, for 10 minutes and then is served with mushrooms, peas, or other seasonal vegetables. This version might also be served at room temperature. For Hanukkah, raisins are added and the dish becomes riso con l’uvette.

Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 cups chicken or beef broth, or part water and part broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or rendered chicken fat
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1½ cups Arborio rice
  • ¼ teaspoon chopped saffron threads, infused in 2 tablespoons hot broth
  • ¾ cup grapes, or golden raisins plumped in white wine for 30 minutes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

Pour the broth (or water and broth) into a saucepan and bring to a simmer; adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Warm the olive oil or chicken fat in a large deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and parsley and sauté for a few minutes until softened. Add the rice and stir until opaque, about 3 minutes. Add a ladleful (about 1 cup) of the simmering broth and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Reduce the heat and continue to add broth a ladleful at a time, waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next, until the rice kernels are al dente in the center and creamy on the outside, 18 to 20 minutes in all. Add the saffron and its broth about halfway through, and add the grapes or raisins during the last addition of broth, if using. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and transfer to a warmed serving dish. Serve immediately.

© 1998 Joyce Goldstein. All rights reserved.