Black Mediterranean Rice Recipe

As I stood stirring the risotto, watching the squid ink transform the rice into a stunning inky black, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of culinary adventure bubbling inside me. The combination of onion, garlic, and dry white wine creates a fragrant base, while the fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges add a bright contrast to the dish’s rich, savory depths.

The culinary treat that is Mediterranean Black Rice highlights the savory blend of Arborio rice and the intense umami of squid ink. I adore how the deep flavors of this dish are pulled together with the use of olive oil, infusing it with the richness one expects in a risotto, while the hint of white wine pulls the dish ever so slightly into the realm of depth one would expect from a sauce.

I am amazed by how the garnish of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon transform this dish into such a vibrant experience.

Black Mediterranean Rice Recipe Ingredients

• Arborio Rice: A short-grain rice known for its high starch content, which contributes a creamy texture.

  Rich in carbohydrates, it provides quick energy.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat full of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, it enhances the dish’s flavor profile and health benefits.
• Garlic: Offers a robust flavor and various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to boost immunity.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity to the rice, helping to deepen the overall flavor.
• Squid Ink: Imparts a striking black color and a briny, savory umami taste, enhancing visual appeal and depth.
• Parsley: Freshens the dish and provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants.
• Lemon: Provides a burst of citrus, balancing flavors with acidity and providing additional vitamin C.

Black Mediterranean Rice Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup Arborio or short-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 sachet (about 4g) squid or cuttlefish ink
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

How to Make this Black Mediterranean Rice Recipe

1. In a pot that is medium in size, warm the olive oil over a heat that is medium. Add the onion that has been finely chopped and sauté until it is of a translucent nature, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

2. Combine the minced garlic and heat it in for an added 1 minute. It is important to make sure that it does not brown.

3. Put the Arborio or short-grain rice in the pot and stir well to coat the rice with the oil, onion, and garlic. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes until it is slightly translucent.

4. Add the dry white wine and cook until it is almost gone, stirring now and then.

5. Add the vegetable broth very slowly, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Let the liquid absorb before adding more. Do this until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, which should take 18-20 minutes. (If you need to, use more broth and/or water to achieve the right consistency.)

6. Blend together the sachet of squid or cuttlefish ink, guaranteeing that the rice is saturated and transformed into a deep black hue.

7. Add salt and black pepper to the rice, and combine well to blend all the flavors.

8. Take the pan off the heat and allow the rice to relax for a few minutes.

9. Mix in the freshly chopped parsley, reserving some if you want to use it as a garnish.

10. The Black Mediterranean Rice should be served warm, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the rice, if desired.

Black Mediterranean Rice Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Ladle
8. Heat-resistant kitchen gloves or pot holders
9. Mixing bowl (optional for holding prepared ingredients)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of rice?Indeed, Arborio rice is the optimal choice for the creamy texture it provides, yet one can use any short-grain rice as a substitute.
• Is there a substitute for squid ink?Sadly, the unique color and taste of the dish come from the squid ink, so it’s really not a good idea to replace it.
• Can the wine be omitted?The wine provides profound flavor, but you can replace it with even more vegetable broth if you need to.
• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?The dish is not vegetarian because it contains squid ink, which comes from seafood.
• How long can leftovers be stored?Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if they are stored in an airtight container.
• Can I add seafood to this dish?Of course, shrimp or calamari would be a wonderful way to add extra protein.
• How can I make the dish spicier?When sweating the onion, you may also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper.

Black Mediterranean Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use one of the following to substitute for Arborio rice or short-grain rice: carnaroli rice, vialone nano rice.
Olive oil can be replaced with either avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Substitute dry white wine in recipes with vegetable broth or white grape juice to avoid using alcohol.
Vegetable broth: if you’re looking for a different flavor, substitute with chicken broth or mushroom broth.
Fresh cilantro or basil: substitute for fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

1. Use Warm Broth: Keep the vegetable broth warm in a separate saucepan while making the dish. Adding warm broth instead of cold helps maintain the cooking temperature and allows the rice to cook more evenly, resulting in a creamier risotto.