Zucchini, Smoked Lardons & Lemon Risotto

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 30 minutes

  • Servings : 4

Creamy risotto with tender zucchini, savoury bacon, and a bright touch of lemon zest—a perfect weeknight comfort dish.


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Cool&Simple Ingredient List

  • (2)

    Sliced Zucchini

    1.0 kg

    7.49 $
    View details
  • (8)

    Smoked Lardons

    200 g

    11.29 $
    View details
  • (6)

    Thinly Sliced Onions 1 kg

    1.0 kg

    7.99 $
    View details
  • Ingredient List

  • Preparation

    1. In a large pan, brown the bacon in a drizzle of olive oil until lightly crispy. Add zucchini and cook until just tender. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
    2. In the same pan, sauté the rice and onion in the remaining oil for about 2 minutes. Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring often and allowing the liquid to absorb before each addition.
    3. After about 20 minutes, the rice should be al dente. Stir in the zucchini-bacon mixture, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest.
    4. Adjust seasoning. Serve topped with more Parmesan, either as a main dish or a side.

FAQ – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE COOKING

What is the secret to creamy risotto?

The secret to creamy risotto is slow cooking with constant stirring and gradually adding warm broth. Using starchy rice like Arborio or Carnaroli helps release enough starch to create a velvety texture without adding cream.

What not to do when making risotto?

Don’t pour in all the broth at once or skip stirring — that’s how you lose the creamy texture. Avoid rinsing the rice before cooking, or you’ll wash away the starch needed for a proper risotto.

What is the best rice for risotto?

Arborio is the most common choice, but Carnaroli is often preferred by chefs for its texture and ability to stay firm. Both are high-starch, short-grain rices that absorb flavour and create a creamy finish.

Can you make risotto with zucchini?

Yes! Zucchini adds a mild, tender texture that works beautifully in risotto. Sautéed or grated, it blends well with lemon and smoked bacon for a bright yet comforting dish.

How do you balance flavours in lemon risotto?

To balance lemon risotto, pair the citrus with savoury elements like bacon, Parmesan, or broth. A touch of zucchini adds softness, while fat from the lardons offsets the acidity perfectly.

Cool&Simple Culinary Team

Cool&Simple Culinary Team

Behind every Cool&Simple recipe is our love for great ingredients and easy-to-make ideas.

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