Preparing a Smoked Haddock & Dill Risotto

Smoked Haddock & Dill Risotto (Serves 2)

Equipment:

• Medium saucepan (for poaching fish)

• Frying pan or deep sauté pan (for risotto)

• Wooden spoon

• Ladle

• Knife and chopping board

• Grater or zester (if using lemon)

Ingredients:

Main:

• 200g smoked haddock (undyed if possible), skin removed

• 120g arborio rice

• 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 600ml low-sodium fish stock (or mix of fish + water)

• 100ml milk (to poach haddock)

• 15g unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 50ml dry white wine (optional)

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• 25g grated Parmesan or Grana Padano (optional)

• Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

• Black pepper, to taste

 Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

 Preparation:

1. Poach the Haddock (10 min):

• Place haddock in a saucepan with the milk and just enough water to cover.

• Bring gently to a simmer (do not boil) and cook for 6–8 minutes, until just flaky.

• Remove fish with a slotted spoon, flake into large chunks, and set aside.

• Reserve the poaching liquid to add to your stock (top up to 600ml if needed).

2. Start the Risotto (5 min):

• Heat olive oil and half the butter in a wide pan over medium heat.

• Sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. Cook the Rice (20 min):

• Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute, coating it in the butter/oil.

• Add white wine (if using) and let it mostly evaporate.

• Begin adding warm stock mixture a ladle at a time, stirring continuously.

• Let each ladleful absorb before adding more. Cook like this for 18–20 minutes, until the rice is tender but slightly al dente.

4. Finish the Risotto (5 min):

• Stir in the flaked smoked haddock, remaining butter, dill, and Parmesan (if using).

• Add lemon zest if desired. Season with black pepper (usually no salt needed due to the smoked fish).

• Let sit off the heat for 2 minutes before serving.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving — Approximate):

Optional ingredients like Parmesan and wine will increase calories slightly. Using reduced-fat milk and skipping cheese can lighten it.