Saffron risotto with Serrano ham

Ingredients:

3½ oz. (60 g) freshly grated Prima Donna maturo, plus a few slices as garnish
3 cups (6 dl) chicken bouillon
1½ oz. (40 g) butter
1 small finely cut onion
6 oz. (175 g) risotto rice
½ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
a few saffron strands
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 slices of Serrano ham, each piece torn into 3
12 fresh sage leaves

Preparation method:

Bring the bouillon, with the saffron, to the boil, and let it cook on low heat. Melt the butter in a large pan  over low heat. Gently fry the onion and add the rice. Fry the mixture 2 to 3 minutes until the grains become glassy. Add the wine, stir and let the mixture cook slowly until the liquid has evaporated.

Gradually add the bouillon; continue stirring while adding 1 cup at a time and wait until the moisture has been absorbed before adding more. Cook for about 20 minutes until the rice begins to look creamy and is al dente.

Turn the heat off and stir the grated Prima Donna maturo into the risotto. Put the lid on the pan and allow the risotto to absorb the flavours for a few minutes.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and quick-fry the pieces of ham. Remove them from the pan and allow them to drain on kitchen paper. Fry sage leaves in the same pan until crisp.

Divide the risotto on plates and garnish with the crispy ham, sage leaves and a few fine shavings of Prima Donna maturo.

Wine tip:

Soave (White, Italy)