Spelt Risotto with Chicken Hearts

2 servings

60 minutes

Spelt risotto with chicken hearts is an unusual blend of traditional Italian cuisine with the delicate taste of offal. Spelt, an ancient grain, adds a nutty note to the dish, while the hearts provide a rich, intense flavor. Italians appreciate risotto for its creamy texture achieved by gradually adding broth. White wine adds a slight acidity, and parmesan completes the harmony of flavors. This dish is especially suitable for a cozy dinner when one desires warming yet refined food. Serving it with a sprig of thyme adds aromatic notes and makes the presentation elegant. Spelt risotto with hearts exemplifies how culinary traditions can intersect to create new gastronomic discoveries.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 973
• Proteins: 38.1g
• Fats: 65.3g
• Carbohydrates: 49g

Ingredients

• Spelt: 140 g
• Chicken hearts: 140 g
• Chicken broth: 400 ml
• Parmesan cheese: 70 g
• Dry white wine: 70 ml
• Olive oil: 50 ml
• Butter: 50 g
• Onion: 50 g
• Garlic: 1 clove
• Thyme: 3 sprig
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Prepare all the ingredients.

2. Boil the spelt until half-cooked, usually it takes about half an hour. Then drain it in a sieve.

   Required ingredients:

   • Spelt: 140 g

3. Clean the chicken hearts from fat and blood clots.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken hearts: 140 g

4. Heat half butter and olive oil in a pan and fry the hearts until golden brown. Then cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Butter: 50 g
   • Olive oil: 50 ml

5. Chop the onion and garlic finely.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 50 g
   • Garlic: 1 clove

6. In a deep skillet, heat the remaining olive and butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 50 ml
   • Butter: 50 g
   • Onion: 50 g
   • Garlic: 1 clove

7. Add the wheat and fry, stirring, for 5 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Spelt: 140 g

8. Pour in the wine, simmer for 3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol, then add a ladle of broth.

   Required ingredients:

   • Dry white wine: 70 ml

9. Continue to add broth in portions, constantly stirring the risotto with a spatula for about half an hour. The spelt should retain its shape and not overcook.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken broth: 400 ml

10. When the spelt is almost ready, add grated parmesan, mix it, then taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

    Required ingredients:

    • Parmesan cheese: 70 g
    • Salt:  to taste
    • Ground black pepper:  to taste

11. Serve spelt risotto with chicken hearts, garnished with a sprig of thyme.

    Required ingredients:

    • Thyme: 3 sprigs