I have never met a rice dessert that I didn’t like. I had this chocolate rice pudding at a dinner party, and it was so delicious and elegant looking that I found myself craving and admiring days after. So, when I saw a chocolate risotto recipe in Christine Ingram’s book I decided to make it with my own little twist by adding orange to it!
I started by toasting arborio rice in a little butter, and stirring in orange juice. As the rice absorbed the juice, I added warm milk, cooking gently over very low heat, until the grains were softened and became thick and creamy. It was then finished off with chocolate, cream and a touch of orange zest. I used a combination of milk and dark chocolate for added luxuriousness, if you are a diehard dark chocolate lover, go ahead and use only dark.
When I was making this I really wasn’t sure if it was going to turn good. I have baked with orange and chocolate but never cooked anything with it. To my surprise, it turned out amazing and I was so happy with the subtle and mellow orange flavor in chocolate risotto. This is a perfect dessert when you have company over for dinner or for just the two of you on Valentine’s day. You can make this ahead of time and if you choose to do so add warm milk to loosen, as the risotto thickens when it sits. Most rice desserts /puddings are served cold, this you should eat slightly warm.
A sweet version of creamy savory Italian risotto. Instead of cheese, wine and broth you put chocolate, orange juice and milk.
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) arborio rice or any short grain rice
- 90 g callebaut chocolate, chopped ( I used 60 gm dark and 30 g milk chocolate)
- 650 ml (3.25%) milk
- 125 ml cream
- 125 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- zest of one orange
- 1/4 cup packed golden brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- chocolate sauce and orange zest, to serve
Instructions
- In a saucepan bring milk to a low simmer.
- While the milk is heating up, add 1 tbsp butter to a dutch oven or thick bottom steel saucepan.
- Once the butter has melted, add the rinsed arborio rice and stir.
- Allow to toast for a few minutes, stirring, then add orange juice.
- Once the juice has cooked into the rice, add all the milk and bring to the boil over medium.
- Reduce the heat to lowest, partially cover (you do not want the liquid to evaporate too quickly), and simmer very gently for about 20- 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is very soft.
- Stir in chocolate, remaining butter, sugar and cream.
- Cook stirring all the time over a low heat for 2 minutes, until the chocolate has fully incorporated.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in orange zest.
- Cover the pan and leave stand for few minutes. The chocolate risotto will thicken as it sits.
- Garnish with chocolate sauce and orange zest before serving.
Shirley Tay (Blackswan)
A risotto dessert, & a chocolate one? Looks like you’re already in a mood for Valentine’s Day, my dear Bal!
Balvinder
Well, I am for sure. My husband is going tomorrow for a week, so we had dinner yesterday at one of my favorite restaurant, and like always had dessert at home as a family.
ela@GrayApron
I have nothing against sweet rice. This one looks fantastic! Chocolate and orange….yumm! 🙂 ela
Ansh
Chocolate and Orange are so wonderful together. Love the consistency of your Risotto. Lovely dish, Balvinder.
Monica
This sounds really amazing and definitely perfect for Valentine’s Day! I love the sound of the ‘subtle and mellow flavor’ of the orange against chocolate. Plus, I love rice! : ) I was just watching Giada’s cooking show yesterday and she was making white chocolate risotto. I’d much prefer yours! Happy upcoming Valentine’s Day!
Balvinder
Thank you Monica! Its a lovely balance between citrusy, chocolatey and creamy. I too love rice and dark color chocolate, since it has more pronounced chocolate taste. Have a Happy Valentine’s day to you!
Julia
Wow! What a unique dessert! And the more I ponder it, the more I want to try it!
Balvinder
Thank you Julia, Do try, it is delicious!
Juliana
This rice dessert looks great Balvinder…like the idea of chocolate and a hint of orange…
Have a great week 😀
Coffee and Crumpets
I love risotto, I think I may like the chocolate version even more! Mmmm, warm chocolate risotto…
Jennifer Eloff
I don’t believe I’ve ever had such a dessert. Thanks for sharing.
Choc Chip Uru
This risotto looks crazy delicious, jaffa perfection! 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Bam's Kitchen
Warm, wonderful and covered in chocolate… delicious. Perfect sweet ending to a meal.
Sridevi Ravi
Reminds me of a mango rice pudding I tasted. Chocolate and rice coming together is a lovely combination and orange enhancing it is very creative. I normally make a dessert every week end and this will be my new addition.
easyfoodsmith
Could have never imagined rice and chocolate together. I am so wanting to try this. And I like the citrus hints in your recipe.
Vicki Bensinger
I’ve never made a chocolate risotto but this really sounds luscious, Balvinder. I especially love chocolate and orange together – what a nice dessert. I’ll be sure to save this recipe to try later. Thanks for sharing.
anne
Bal , this sinful dessert has my name on it lol Rice , chocolate and orange combination sounds really good . This concoction reminds me of our ”champorado” back home .