aphrodisiac risotto

For this Valentine's Day we are sharing one of our risotto recipes: THE aphrodisiac risotto to help you friends get in the right mood 😉

Many of you already know about the benefits of ginger, a powerful root that has been used for centuries in China.
Being related to cardamom and turmeric, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal natural remedy for nausea (during pregnancy and chemotherapy too), cold, flu and help digestion, thus stimulating appetite... 

It is also very good for people who regularly exercise because it reduces muscle pain. On top, it helps lowering blood sugars - making it a great anti-diabetic - and cholesterol, it is one of the oldest pain reliefs and it helps burning fats too!

According to some studies ginger protects the brain from Alzheimer and the body from infections.

Because ginger improves blood circulation, it has also been used in traditional medicines as an aphrodisiac and because we do believe that risotto is a highly indulging dish, following our ginger risotto recipe this V-day, nobody will be able to resist you 😍 

For a more romantic atmosphere and seductive level, we recommend you do it Italian style and cook together 💏

Ginger risotto: the aphrodisiac

Get familiar with our risotto base recipe click here

For the best Piedmont terroir use: short grain rice varieties like Arborio and Carnaroli and get Piedmont white wine such as Gavi, Erbaluce di Caluso or Arneis.

If you don't have any access to any of these traditional products of Piedmont, no biggie, risotto is a cooking method and any white rice type will do, just get a good quality wine because that's what you will be pairing it with 😎

Ingredients for 2 people:

• white rice: 160gr is the average amount in a full menu, if risotto is your main dish, make it 200gr. We normally count 2 handful per person plus 1 for the pot, make it 3 for a larger portion 

• half a tsp of peeled and hand finely chopped fresh ginger every two portions

• black pepper - optional if using:
• grounded turmeric, 1/4 tsp (optional)

• stock: vegetable or chicken or bouillon, 1/2 liter or 1 pint every 2 portions of risotto

• butter or evoo, 1,5 tbs

• white wine,  1 glass

• parmigiano reggiano or vegan sub

• heavy cream, 1/3 cup or vegan sub to add a creamy texture

deliciously creamy, aphrodisiac and healthy

Portion the rice, prepare the stock and peel and hand chop the fresh ginger root.

When the stock is ready, melt the butter, sauté the rice and the chopped ginger together.

As the rice grains turn transparent, pour in half glass of white wine and let it get absorbed.

Then, cover the rice with half the stock, saving the other half to slowly add it, as the risotto absorbs it.

If you add the stock all at once, it is ok though...

Lower the heat and let it slowly cook, uncovered, in the stock.

Add the turmeric with a dash of pepper for a golden color and extra nutritional benefits (optional).

Stir your risotto every 5 minutes. Risotto will take about 12 minutes to absorb the stock. when you see the stock has almost all been absorbed, add the remaining half glass of white wine. Stir to allow the risotto to thoroughly cook.

Risotto is NOT supposed to be runny like a soup, so when you see that the stock has been absorbed by the rice grains, it is ready to be set aside to rest for 5 minutes.

Before serving, fold in the heavy cream and the amount of grated parmesan cheese your prefer.
Both heavy cream and parmesan cheese are optional and can be sub with vegan options. 

Since the first forkfuls you will notice a different light in the eyes of your guest 😍....

Buon San Valentino from Turin, you all 💞

Remember that Turin is a very romantic destination all year long, we always have luscious chocolate and  many amazing wines to enhance your visit with.

Plan your visit ahead and include one of our experiential tours, tastings, cooking classes and even mindfulness sessions!

E-mail Lucia: turinepi@gmail.com