Croatian Black Risotto – A Unique Seafood Delight

Dish recipes: Black Risotto
Photo from pinterest.com

Black Risotto, or "Crni Rižot," is a famous Croatian dish, especially along the Dalmatian coast. Made with cuttlefish or squid and their ink, this savory risotto is a striking black color and has a rich, briny flavor. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers and is often served at special gatherings or seafood restaurants along the Adriatic.

Ingredients

2 cups (0.9 lb / 400 g) Arborio rice

1 lb (0.45 kg) squid or cuttlefish, cleaned and chopped

4 cups (1 liter) fish stock

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine

1/4 cup (60 ml) cuttlefish or squid ink

2 tbsp (30 g) butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the Seafood: Add the chopped squid or cuttlefish to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender.

Cook the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, letting it absorb the flavors for about 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine and cook until it evaporates.

Add the Ink and Stock: Gradually add the fish stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. After the first few additions of stock, stir in the cuttlefish or squid ink to give the risotto its signature black color.

Simmer and Stir: Continue to add the stock, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding more. Stir constantly until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

Finish and Serve: Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the butter, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving

Black Risotto is best enjoyed hot and fresh, garnished with parsley and served with a wedge of lemon to balance the richness. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a truly authentic Croatian experience.

Black Risotto is a bold and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Croatia’s seafood traditions. With its unique black hue and deep, savory taste, it’s an unforgettable meal that will impress any seafood enthusiast.