Crni Rizot (Black Risotto)
Photo: Haydn Blackey from Cardiff, Wales · CC BY-SA 2.0

History

Total Croatia News calls crni rižot one of the least attractive but tastiest dishes on the Adriatic and says it is on the menu of most restaurants along the coast. In Venice it is the signature risotto nero di seppia, and the author suggests that is how it reached Croatia, given Venetian influence on the Dalmatian coast. In Split, Konoba Varos lists a black cuttlefish risotto and Konoba Korta names black risotto among its favourite dishes.

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Common allergens: Shellfish

Make it at home

Yield 4Hands-on 30 minTotal 50 minDifficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 300g arborio or carnaroli rice
  • 500g whole squid, cleaned, ink sacs reserved
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 150ml dry white wine
  • 800ml hot fish or vegetable stock
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 sachets squid ink (extra; the small ink sacs are not enough alone)
  • Sea salt, black pepper, flat parsley to finish

Method

  1. Slice cleaned squid into rings; chop tentacles. Salt them lightly.
  2. In a heavy pan, soften onion in olive oil 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
  3. Add squid; cook 3 minutes until just opaque. Add rice; stir to coat.
  4. Add wine; let bubble until almost dry. Add half the stock and all the ink. Stir.
  5. Cook on low, adding stock a ladle at a time, stirring often, 18 to 20 minutes.
  6. Finish with a tablespoon of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and chopped parsley.

Tip from the editors. Black risotto stains; the right consistency is loose enough to spread on the plate.

Where to eat crni rizot (black risotto)

Crni Rizot (Black Risotto) in Split

Konoba Varos ★ 4.2

DalmatianVeli Varos

Konoba Varoš sits in the ancient part of Split at Ban Mladenova 9 and serves Peka (food under the bell), the highlight of traditional Dalmatian cuisine.

OrderPeka, roast veal or octopus, ordered three hours ahead.

TipThe Peka specialties, from roast veal to octopus, need three hours' advance ordering.

Directions

Konoba Korta ★ 4.4

DalmatianDiocletians Palace

Konoba Korta is an authentic Dalmatian konoba in Diocletian's Palace in the centre of Split, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

OrderThe peka, the brudet or the black risotto.

TipReserve a table online, or contact the konoba by phone or e-mail for reservations, enquiries or special occasions.

Directions

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