This cozy Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Risotto is made with tender smoked haddock, a rich and creamy risotto rice, fresh leeks, and a hint of lemon. This recipe creates a decadent, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a relaxed family gathering. This impressive dish is hearty enough to serve 2 people.
Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Risotto Ingredients
- 1 knob of butter
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 150g risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
- 125ml white wine (optional)
- 725ml hot chicken stock
- 250g undyed smoked haddock
- 25g Parmesan, finely grated
- 1 x 50g bag pea shoots
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Risotto
- Sauté the aromatics: Melt the butter in a deep frying pan over a low heat. Add the finely chopped leek and garlic. Cover the pan and cook for 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft.
- Cook the rice: Uncover the pan and add the risotto rice. Cook, stirring for 2 minutes to coat the grains. Increase the heat and add the white wine, if using, and cook until it is absorbed. (If you are not using wine, increase the stock by 100ml.)
- Poach the haddock: While the rice is cooking, place the smoked haddock in a separate pan with just enough water to cover it. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the fish is cooked through. Remove the haddock, drain it, then flake the fish into large pieces, discarding the skin.
- Add the stock: Add a ladleful of the hot stock to the risotto and stir until it is completely absorbed. Repeat this process, adding one ladleful at a time and stirring until all the stock has been added and the rice is al dente (cooked through but still with a little bite).
- Finish and serve: Remove the risotto from the heat. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Roughly chop the pea shoots, reserving a few for garnish, and stir them into the rice along with the flaked haddock. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and let it rest for 1 minute. Serve the risotto immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan and the reserved pea shoots.
Recipe Tips
- Use good quality rice: Risotto rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli, is essential for this dish. Its high starch content is what gives the risotto its signature creamy texture.
- Keep the stock hot: Make sure your chicken stock is hot before you add it to the rice. Adding cold stock will shock the rice, slow down the cooking process, and can result in a less creamy risotto.
- Don’t rush the process: The key to a great risotto is patience. Stirring continuously and adding the stock one ladleful at a time is crucial for the rice to release its starch and create a creamy consistency.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Smoked haddock can be quite salty, as can Parmesan cheese. Taste the risotto just before you serve it and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
What To Serve Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Risotto
This rich and savory risotto is a complete meal on its own. It can be served with a simple side of warm, crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce. For a lighter touch, you could serve it with a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
How To Store Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Risotto Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Risotto will thicken as it cools. When reheating, add a splash of hot water or stock and stir gently over low heat to bring it back to a creamy consistency. Freeze: Freezing risotto is not recommended as the texture of the rice can become mushy. It is best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Risotto Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 717 kcal
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7.1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 87.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.4g
- Sugars: 9.8g
- Protein: 40.9g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, you can. While smoked haddock provides a unique flavor, you could substitute other firm white fish like cod or unsmoked haddock. Just be aware that the smoky flavor will be missing.
- Can I leave out the wine? Yes, the recipe suggests adding an extra 100ml of chicken stock if you choose to omit the white wine. The wine adds a bit of acidity and depth of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
- What is the best way to get a creamy risotto? The key to a creamy risotto is the constant stirring. This motion helps the rice grains rub against each other, releasing their natural starches and creating that beautiful, smooth consistency.
Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Risotto Recipe
Description
The Hairy Bikers’ Smoked Haddock Risotto is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender flakes of smoked haddock with fluffy risotto rice, leeks, and a touch of lemon. It’s a truly comforting and elegant meal that is full of flavor and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Melt butter and cook leek and garlic until soft.
- Cook rice: Add rice and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed.
- Poach haddock: Poach haddock in water for 4-5 minutes until cooked. Flake the fish.
- Add stock: Add hot stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more. Repeat until the rice is al dente.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, pea shoots, haddock, and lemon juice. Rest for 1 minute before serving.
