Risotto Giallo: Milan's Ultimate Comfort Food Since 1574

24th March 2025
Home > News > Risotto Giallo: Milan's Ultimate Comfort Food Since 1574

THE STORY

The first known recipe for Risotto alla Milanese dates back to 1574, when Belgian glassmaker Valerio di Fiandra, who was working on Milan's Duomo, decided to add saffron to a plain white risotto for his daughter's wedding. Saffron, commonly used by glassmakers to tint glass, gave the dish a golden hue, symbolizing wealth and prosperity while also enhancing its flavor. The dish quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Milanese taverns.

THE RECIPE

Serves 4:

  • 320g Carnaroli or Arborio rice
  • 1 onion
  • 80g butter
  • 1 liter beef broth
  • 200ml good-quality white wine
  • 1 packet of saffron
  • 100g grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • Salt and pepper to taste


THE BEST RISOTTO ALLA MILANESE IN MILAN

LA PESA TRATTORIA (Since 1902)

Address: Via Giovanni Fantoni 26

La Pesa Trattoria



RISTORANTE RATANÀ

Address: Via Gaetano de Castilla 28



RISOELATTE

Address: Via Manfredo Camperio 6

Risoelatte Restaurant



TRATTORIA ARLATI (Since 1936)

Address: Via Alberto Nota 47

Trattoria Arlati



OSTERIA DEL BINARI

Address: Via Tortona 1/3

Osteria del Binari



AL CONIGLIO BIANCO

Address: Alzaia Naviglio Grande 12

Al Coniglio Bianco


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