Parmesan Kale Risotto with Scallops

Parmesan Kale Risotto with Scallops

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Creamy, indulgent, and impossibly luxurious, this Parmesan Kale Risotto with Seared Scallops transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. The velvety rice, enriched with nutty Parmesan and tender kale, creates the perfect canvas for perfectly seared, golden-brown scallops. Did you know that risotto was originally created in Northern Italy’s Po Valley, where rice paddies have flourished since the 14th century? While risotto has a reputation for being fussy, this version streamlines the process while maintaining all the rich, comforting qualities you love. Like our popular Mushroom Risotto recipe, this dish proves that with a bit of patience and good technique, you can create something truly extraordinary at home. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or wanting to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this recipe will help you achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

What is Parmesan Kale Risotto?

Ever wondered what makes risotto so special? Is it the creamy texture? The gentle stirring? Or perhaps it’s the way Italians have perfected the art of turning simple rice into pure comfort food magic! This version adds nutrient-rich kale and plenty of Parmesan because, as they say, the way to anyone’s heart is through a perfectly cooked risotto (okay, maybe that’s not the exact saying, but it should be!). Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, elevated with a crown of perfectly seared scallops. Ready to master the art of risotto? Let’s dive into this luxurious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Kale Risotto

This elegant dish combines the comforting warmth of traditional risotto with the modern appeal of nutrient-rich kale. The star of the show is the perfectly cooked Arborio rice, which releases its starches to create that signature creamy texture, while Parmesan adds rich, nutty depth. Making risotto at home is surprisingly economical compared to restaurant versions, and you can control the quality and quantity of each ingredient. The magic lies in the combination of textures – creamy rice, tender kale, and perfectly seared scallops create an unforgettable dining experience. Like our Lemon Asparagus Risotto, this version proves that adding vegetables to classic dishes can elevate them to new heights. Ready to create your own restaurant-worthy risotto?

Parmesan Kale Risotto with Scallops

Quick Overview

This luxurious dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare, with most of that time spent stirring the risotto to develop its creamy texture. The key is maintaining a gentle simmer and adding hot broth gradually. While it requires attention, the technique is straightforward and the results are absolutely worth the effort.

Key Ingredients for Parmesan Kale Risotto

For the Risotto:

  • 2 cups Arborio rice
  • 6-7 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Scallops:

  • 12 large sea scallops
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, for serving
Parmesan Kale Risotto with Scallops

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • Heat broth in a separate pot
    • Sauté onions in butter and oil until translucent
    • Add garlic and rice, toast for 2-3 minutes
    • Deglaze with wine, simmer until absorbed
  2. Cook the Risotto:
    • Add hot broth one ladle at a time
    • Stir constantly until liquid is absorbed
    • Continue process for 18-20 minutes
    • Add kale halfway through cooking
  3. Finish the Dish:
    • Stir in Parmesan and butter
    • Season with salt and pepper
    • Let rest while cooking scallops
    • Sear scallops 2-3 minutes per side
    • Serve immediately

What to Serve Parmesan Kale Risotto With

This elegant dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Crisp white wine
  • Simple green salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Crusty bread
  • Additional Parmesan shavings

Top Tips for Perfecting Parmesan Kale Risotto

  • Keep broth hot throughout cooking
  • Stir frequently but gently
  • Pat scallops completely dry before searing
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan
  • Don’t rush the cooking process

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of hot broth or water and stir frequently over low heat until warm. For best results, cook scallops fresh just before serving. Risotto can be frozen for up to 1 month but may lose some of its creamy texture.

Parmesan Kale Risotto with Scallops

Recipe Schema Markup

  • Preparation Time: PT15M
  • Cooking Time: PT30M
  • Total Time: PT45M
  • Type of Recipe: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Keywords: risotto, parmesan risotto, kale risotto, seafood dinner, date night dinner, gourmet meal
  • Recipe Yield: 4 servings
  • Calories: 520 per serving

Pros

  • Restaurant-quality results
  • Impressive presentation
  • Nutritious with added kale
  • Versatile base recipe
  • Perfect for special occasions
  • Can be made vegetarian

Cons

  • Requires constant attention
  • Time-consuming
  • Best served immediately
  • Specialty rice required

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