Kale and Pancetta Risotto

This super creamy kale and pancetta risotto is salty from the rendered pancetta, earthy and nutty from the kale and parmesan, and like all my other risottos doesn’t require an arm workout.

Hello, it’s me again trying to convince you to make risotto at home. Truth is, this kale and pancetta risotto recipe was supposed to be saved for Fall. It’s hearty, comforting, and the earthy flavors leans perfectly to those crisper months. After testing, filming, and shooting it I couldn’t wait to share it.

So why is risotto such a touchy recipe? Like I mentioned in my mushroom risotto recipe, everyone has an opinion on the proper way to make it. In fact after posting the video on Tik Tok is was clear…EVERYONE HAS AN OPION. You need to add wine. It needs to be constantly stirred. You shouldn’t stir at all. While there is truth in some of these statements, there are a few successful ways to make risotto. Just keep the below points in mind.

• Risotto should be creamy, not gluey. That gluey consistency can actually come from over mixing. When placed on a plate or bowl it should be loose, spread a little, but not run off the plate.
• The rice should be cooked al dente, not mushy or soggy.
• Cheese, cream, and pre-cooked vegetables or protein should be added at the last few minutes.

If you haven’t tried making risotto at home because you don’t know where to start or it seems overly complicated, this is a great place to start.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR KALE AND PANCETTA RISOTTO

• Arborio Rice– Or Carnaroli, although that variety is harder to come by. Unfortunately the long grain rice you have chilling in your pantry wont work for this recipe. Different varieties of rice absorbs liquid differently, have a different starch level, and in the end just wont yield the same results. Unlike their long grain relatives, you do not rinse the rice. Rinsing loose some of the starch necessary to making this dish super creamy.
• Broth – I chose beef broth here because it complements the pancetta.
• Pancetta – Unless you go to a specialty market pancetta will most likely be found near the deli counter or by the fresh mozzarella sold in 4oz pre cubed packs. Whether you get thick or thin small cut or cubes will change the amount of time you render in the beginning.
• Shallot – I love substituting onions for shallots when appropriate. Shallots are sweeter and have a less pungent taste than a white onion, which works well for this recipe.
• Garlic – Fresh only, as always.
• Dino Kale – Or other known as Lacinato kale. Dino kale has a deeper more earthy flavor than traditional curly kale. If you don’t like kale trust me try this one. However if you cant find dino kale it’s okay to substitute with curly kale. Prep the kale by removing the inner stem, and giving it a rough chop.
• Thyme – Pulled off the steam.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated.
• Optional Wine – If you are a true believer that risotto NEEDS wine, this is a perfect recipe to add it. Add 1/2 cup of wine a few minutes before adding the broth. Remember choose a dry white wine you would drink.

HOW TO MAKE KALE AND PANCETTA RISOTTO

Sauté the base – Place your pan on the stove over medium-low heat. Once hot add the pancetta and render it down until brown and crispy. Depending on the size this could take 5-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and remove 1/2 the fat and place on the side. Lower the heat to low and add the garlic, shallots, and thyme. Cook until soft and fragrant 2-3 minutes. If you notice that you need more fat add a touch back in.

Toast the Risotto– Toast the risotto for 3-5 minutes until grains start to become translucent. The risotto should be UNWASHED. I can not stress enough do not wash the rice beforehand, this will completely strip the rice of the starches it needs to make this dish super creamy.

Deglaze + Cook – If adding wine (optional) deglaze the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until alcohol cooks off. Add the broth, but not all at once. For every cup of risotto you need approx. 4 cups of broth. Have extra on hand! I found with different brands of arborio rice I needed + or – a cup. Depending on your pan this might be split into 3 or 4 rounds. Good rule of thumb, pour just enough broth to cover the risotto.

Mix, Add, Shake – Mix 2-3 times per broth add. If you end up mixing more, no biggie! Also give the pan a mix or a shake midway to ensure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom. Once broth has mostly absorbed add more broth until all broth has been used. When all but 1 cup has been added, add the kale and final cup of broth. Mix.

Finish – Once all broth has been added, but not completely absorbed (15-18 minutes of cooking) give it a taste. Rice should be loose, creamy, and al dente. If rice is too al dente add more broth 1/2 cup at a time. Add in parmesan cheese and give it a mix. Remove from heat. Eat immediately.

STORING/REHEATING

This is the part of the risotto post where I tell you that it won’t bounce back the same way. Risotto is meant to be enjoyed immediately, so please enjoy it right away. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. While it won’t bounce back the same way leftover risotto is still delicious. Personally I always microwave it however you can add it back to a pan over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Craving more risotto? Yeah, me too. Check out the recipes below!

Mushroom Parm Risotto // French Onion Risotto
Lemon Parm Risotto // Cacio e Pepe Risotto
Spicy Vodka Risotto // Brown Butter & Sage Risotto
Creamy Tomato Risotto // Smoked Gouda Risotto
Lobster Risotto // Crab Risotto