Risotto Nero

The black risotto of Venice achieves its dark presentation from cuttlefish and their ink a most effective natural dye. Be warned: it works equally well on clothes, tablecloths and teeth. This was the ultimate designer dish of the Eighties and is good enough to serve into the next century. If any of your guests find blackened teeth distressing reassure them that this is a form of radical Venetian chic For my more detailed treatment of cooking risotto