Squid Ink Risotto

The Islands of Greece

Posted by Hardie Grant

About

This glorious and dramatic dish is another one inspired by a meal at Mavrikos restaurant in Lindos, Rhodes. It is unusual to find squid with its
ink in the shops, and it is far easier (and less messy) to buy cleaned squid and sachets of the ink. Be sure to wear an apron and perhaps some plastic gloves when handling the ink, which stains.

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You Will Need (11 things)

  • 50 g Butter
  • 1 Onion , very finely chopped
  • 1 pinch Of Salt
  • 4 Garlic Cloves , roughly chopped
  • 300 g Risotto Rice
  • 120 ml White Wine
  • 2 Generous teaspoons or sachets of Squid Ink
  • 650 ml Hot fish or vegetable Stock , plus more if needed
  • 100 g Squid , very finely chopped
  • Lemon Juice to taste
  • Grated Lemon zest to garnish

Steps (3 steps, 60 minutes)

  1. 1

    In a large pan, heat the butter until foaming, then add the onion, salt and garlic (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, do not allow to brown. Next, add the rice and cook, stirring, until each grain is coated in butter and beginning to become translucent. Add the wine and let it bubble. Then add the squid ink and stir well to make sure all the rice is coated with it.

  2. 2

    When all the wine and squid ink has been absorbed by the rice, add a ladleful of hot stock. When the liquid has disappeared, add another. Continue in this way, stirring often or the rice will stick, for about 20 minutes. The rice is cooked when it is swollen and creamy and no longer white and firm. You may not need all the stock, or you may need a little more.

  3. 3

    When the rice is cooked and just before serving, add the squid. (If you add the squid too soon, it will become tough.) After 1 minute, remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Serve sprinkled with lemon zest.