Tag: comfort food

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Luxury Saffron & Lemon Butter Risotto – A Golden Italian Delight Made Effortlessly

Creamy saffron risotto topped with parmesan, parsley and lemon zest. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited
Creamy saffron risotto topped with parmesan, parsley and lemon zest. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited

A Bowl of Pure Italian Comfort

There are meals that warm you… and then there are meals that embrace you.
This Luxury Saffron & Lemon Butter Risotto is exactly that — rich, velvety, aromatic and impossibly elegant.

Made using the premium Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base (1kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited, this recipe brings the golden magic of saffron risotto to your kitchen without hours of stirring. Each spoonful is silky, deeply infused with saffron, brightened with lemon zest and enriched with butter and parmesan for that unmistakable restaurant finish.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving the comfort of Italian cooking, this risotto delivers flavour, luxury and ease all in one beautifully golden bowl.

f you’re curious about what makes traditional risotto so unique, Eataly explains the origins and Italian culinary tradition behind this iconic dish: https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/culture/what-is-risotto

Why You’ll Love This Luxury Saffron Risotto

This isn’t just any risotto — it’s an experience.

  • Golden and aromatic thanks to real saffron
  • Ultra-creamy texture with no fuss
  • Ready in under 25 minutes
  • Restaurant-quality finish with lemon butter & parmesan
  • Versatile — pair with seafood, chicken, or enjoy on its own

Consistently perfect thanks to Gallo Pronto’s expertly balanced base. It’s everything you love about risotto, made beautifully simple.

How to Make This Delicious Saffron Risotto (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Making this luxurious risotto is wonderfully simple, with each step building more flavour and creaminess. For those interested in mastering authentic technique, BBC Good Food offers a helpful guide on how to make perfect risotto:https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-make-perfect-risotto

By using the Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base, you eliminate guesswork and achieve perfect texture every time:

Creamy saffron risotto topped with parmesan, parsley and lemon zest. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited

Luxury Saffron & Lemon Butter Risotto Using Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base

Print Recipe
Create a rich, silky, restaurant-quality saffron risotto in minutes using Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base. This luxurious Italian dish combines creamy saffron rice with lemon butter, parmesan and white wine for an irresistibly aromatic flavour. Perfect for elegant weeknight dinners, entertaining, or pairing with seafood. Easy, delicious and beautifully golden — a premium risotto made effortlessly at home.
Course Dinner, Main Course, Special Occasion Meal
Cuisine European, Italian, Mediterranean
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword Butternut squash at Nicol Retailer, creamy risotto, Gallo Pronto, Italian risotto, lemon risotto, luxury risotto, parmesan risotto, quick risotto, saffron risotto
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 450

Ingredients

Base

Flavour Enhancers

Garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan.
  • Add diced onion and cook gently for 3–4 minutes until soft.
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Toast the Risotto Base

  • Add Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base to the pan.
  • Stir for 1 minute to warm and coat in the aromatics.

Deglaze with Wine

  • Pour in the white wine.
  • Let it bubble away for 1–2 minutes until reduced.

Add Stock & Simmer

  • Gradually add the hot stock, stirring occasionally.
  • Simmer for 12–15 minutes until creamy and al dente.

Finish with Lemon Butter & Parmesan

  • Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in cold butter cubes, lemon zest and grated parmesan.
  • Let the risotto rest for 1 minute to become extra silky.

Serve

  • Plate immediately while hot, topped with fresh herbs, parmesan shavings and extra lemon zest.

Notes

Use hot stock for best results — adding cold liquid can tighten the starch and prevent the risotto from becoming silky and creamy.
Don’t over-stir — gentle, occasional stirring helps the rice release just enough starch without becoming gluey.
Add butter at the end — stirring in cold butter creates a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
White wine adds depth, but you can replace it with extra stock if you prefer alcohol-free.
Adjust creaminess — add a splash of stock at the end if the risotto thickens too quickly.
Parmesan enhances the saffron flavour — always grate fresh for the best texture and taste.
Serve immediately — risotto waits for no one! It continues to thicken as it cools, so dish it up while beautifully loose and velvety.
Pair with seafood like prawns or scallops to enhance the delicate saffron aroma.
Use Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base from Nicol Retailer Limited for consistently perfect texture and colour every time.

Nutrition

Serving: 350g | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 360mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 3g

Serving Suggestions – Make It a Restaurant-Worthy Meal

Transform your Luxury Saffron & Lemon Butter Risotto into a complete fine-dining experience with these carefully curated pairings. Each suggestion enhances the saffron’s aroma, the lemon’s brightness and the velvety creaminess of the risotto, turning a simple dish into an unforgettable meal.

Seared King Prawns or Scallops

Nothing elevates saffron risotto quite like perfectly seared seafood. King prawns add sweetness and juiciness, while scallops offer a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Cook quickly in butter, garlic and lemon zest until golden. Arrange on top for a stunning restaurant-style presentation.

Lemon & Herb Roast Chicken

For something heartier, pair your risotto with tender, lemon-roasted chicken thighs or a whole roasted chicken.
The citrus and herbs lift the dish beautifully, while the chicken juices provide an intense savouriness that complements the creamy saffron rice.

Crispy-Skinned Sea Bass or Salmon

Pan-fried sea bass with perfectly crisp skin is an elegant, delicate pairing. Alternatively, roasted salmon with a touch of honey and lemon matches wonderfully with the saffron’s warmth, adding richness while keeping the plate fresh and balanced.

Grilled Asparagus, Tenderstem Broccoli or Green Beans

Fresh, vibrant greens cut through the richness of the risotto. Lightly charred asparagus or tenderstem broccoli adds a smoky depth, while lemon-dressed green beans bring crunch and brightness. This combination creates a beautifully complete Mediterranean-style plate.

Crisp Green Salad with Lemon Dressing

For a lighter option, serve with a refreshing mixed-leaf salad dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper and a pinch of sea salt. The tanginess helps balance the risotto and leaves the palate clean and refreshed.

Extra Lemon Zest & Parmesan Shavings

A simple but powerful finishing touch. Fresh lemon zest enhances the saffron aroma, while parmesan shavings melt gently into the warm risotto, highlighting its luxurious creaminess.

Serve with Warm Crusty Bread or Garlic Ciabatta

Ideal for soaking up every last bit of velvety saffron sauce.
Garlic ciabatta adds irresistible aroma and texture, making the meal feel decadent and satisfying.

Add Garlic Butter Prawns for a Show-Stopping Finish

Top your risotto with sizzling garlic butter prawns for an eye-catching, flavour-intense finish — the kind you would expect from a Michelin-style Italian restaurant.

  1. Perfect for Dinner Parties & Special Occasions

This risotto shines as the centrepiece of a classy dinner party menu:

  • Start with bruschetta or antipasti
  • Serve the risotto as the main
  • Finish with panna cotta or tiramisu

Perfectly balanced, beautifully golden and unforgettable.

Shop the Star Ingredient – Only at Nicol Retailer Limited

Create this exquisite risotto at home using the finest quality base:
Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base (1kg) Available here: https://nicolretailer.com/product/gallo-pronto-saffron-risotto-base-1kg/

Premium ingredients make premium dishes — and this one shines.

Conclusion

This Luxury Saffron & Lemon Butter Risotto is proof that extraordinary food doesn’t have to be complicated. With the Gallo Pronto Saffron Risotto Base from Nicol Retailer Limited, you get stunning colour, rich flavour and perfect texture every single time — all in under 25 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or treating yourself, this dish brings warmth, elegance and pure Italian comfort to your table. One spoonful… and you’ll understand why this recipe is a keeper.

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Braised British Beef Shin Ragù with Creamy Parmesan Mash

Braised British beef shin ragù made with Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin from Nicol Retailer Limited, served over creamy Parmesan mash with rosemary and Parmesan cheese — created by Nicol Retailer Limited.
Braised British beef shin ragù made with Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin from Nicol Retailer Limited, served over creamy Parmesan mash with rosemary and Parmesan cheese — created by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Few dishes say comfort quite like a slow-braised British Beef Shin Ragù — rich, silky, and bursting with deep, savoury flavour. Using the exceptional Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin Middle Cut, this recipe transforms a humble cut into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.

As the beef gently cooks in red wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it breaks down into tender shreds. This creates a sauce so luscious you’ll want to savour every bite. Served over buttery Parmesan mash, it’s the perfect balance of rustic warmth and indulgent dining.

This is comfort food, elevated — and proof that with Nicol Retailer Limited’s premium British beef, you can bring chef-level flavour straight to your home kitchen.

Why Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin is the Star Ingredient

The Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin Middle Cut from Nicol Retailer Limited is the hero of this dish. It’s a premium British cut known for its exceptional quality, traceability, and melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Every reason to choose it makes this recipe shine:

  • 🇬🇧 Certified British Quality: As a Red Tractor Assured product, this beef guarantees traceability, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices — so you know exactly where your meat comes from.
  • Rich and Full-Bodied Flavour: Beef shin is cut from the hardworking leg, rich in connective tissue and flavour. When slow-cooked, the collagen melts down, giving the sauce its silky texture and mouthfeel.
  • Generous and Versatile: The 5 kg pack is ideal for batch cooking, dinner parties, or freezing portions for future meals — delivering incredible value and consistent quality.
  • Perfect for Braising: The slow cooking process transforms this affordable cut into restaurant-quality tenderness, full of deep, comforting flavour.

You can source this premium ingredient exclusively at Nicol Retailer Limited — the home of professional-grade British meats.

Recipe

This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through every step. From browning the beef and building layers of flavour to preparing the creamy mash that completes the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday family meal, a special dinner, or simply craving a hearty bowl of comfort, this British Beef Shin Ragù is a timeless classic that delivers every time. Here is the recipe and ingredients:

Braised British beef shin ragù made with Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin from Nicol Retailer Limited, served over creamy Parmesan mash with rosemary and Parmesan cheese — created by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Braised British Beef Shin Ragù with Creamy Parmesan Mash

Print Recipe
Indulge in pure comfort with this Braised British Beef Shin Ragù with Creamy Parmesan Mash, a dish that brings slow-cooked luxury to your dinner table. Using Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin Middle Cut from Nicol Retailer Limited, this recipe delivers melt-in-the-mouth beef simmered in a rich red wine and tomato sauce, served over velvety Parmesan mash.
Each bite combines deep, savoury flavours and silky textures — perfect for Sunday roasts, date nights, or elegant family meals. With Red Tractor-certified British beef, this dish guarantees both quality and flavour in every forkful.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine British with Italian Influence
Diet Gluten Free
Keyword Alec Jarrett beef,, beef shin ragu, braised beef recipe, British beef recipe, Butternut squash at Nicol Retailer, comfort food UK,, parmesan mash, slow cooked beef cheeks
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Mash Preparation 20 minutes
Servings 6 People
Calories 610

Ingredients

For the Ragù:

For the Parmesan Mash:

Instructions

Sear the beef:

  • Season beef pieces and brown in olive oil over medium heat until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Build the base:

  • In the same pot, cook onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes. Add garlic and tomato purée; cook for 1 minute

Deglaze:

  • Pour in red wine, scraping up any caramelised bits. Reduce slightly.

Simmer:

  • Add chopped tomatoes, stock, herbs, and ISFI Cayenne Pepper. Return beef to the pot.

Braise:

  • Cover and cook gently for 3 hours in the oven at 160 °C (140 °C fan) until beef is tender and falling apart.

Finish:

  • Shred the beef into the sauce with a fork. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.

Make the mash:

  • Boil potatoes until soft. Drain, mash with butter, milk, Parmesan, and salt until smooth.

Serve:

  • Spoon creamy mash onto plates and top generously with beef shin ragù. Garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs.

Notes

Chef’s Notes
Best Cut for Braising: The Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin from Nicol Retailer Limited is naturally rich in collagen, giving your ragù a luxurious, velvety sauce when slow-cooked.
Cook it Low and Slow: For tender, melt-in-the-mouth beef, cook gently at 160 °C for about 3 hours — patience pays off with this dish.
Plan Ahead: Make your ragù a day in advance; the flavours deepen overnight for an even richer taste the next day.
Freezer Friendly: Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months — ideal for batch cooking or quick weekday meals.
Flavour Upgrade: Add a splash of cream or a pinch of ISFI Professional Cayenne Pepper for an indulgent twist.
Creative Serving Idea: Spoon leftover ragù over buttery pasta, polenta, or even inside a Yorkshire pudding for a British-Italian fusion treat.
Perfect Pairing: A glass of Chianti, Barolo, or Malbec enhances the deep beef flavour and tomato richness beautifully.

Nutrition

Serving: 400g | Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 480mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

Serving Suggestions

This Braised Beef Shin Ragù isn’t just a main course — it’s a centrepiece meal that deserves to be enjoyed slowly. Here are a few pairing and plating ideas to make it even more memorable:

On the Side

Garlic Bread or Ciabatta: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich red-wine sauce.

Crispy Roast Vegetables: Try roasted parsnips, carrots, or tenderstem broccoli for a pop of colour and crunch.

Green Salad: A fresh rocket and Parmesan salad cuts through the richness perfectly.

Creamed Spinach: Adds a luxurious, buttery texture alongside the mash.

Occasions to Serve

Sunday Roast Alternative: Serve this instead of traditional roast beef for a modern twist.

Dinner Parties: Impress guests with a dish that looks like it took hours (because it did — and it’s worth it!).

Winter Feasts: Perfect for cold evenings by the fire, paired with a glass of red and good company.

Leftover Magic: Spoon the leftover ragù over pappardelle, layer into lasagne, or use as a jacket potato topping.

Chef’s Tip: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a knob of butter right before serving for extra shine and richness.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about taking simple, honest ingredients and transforming them into a dish that feels both comforting and luxurious. This Braised British Beef Shin Ragù with Creamy Parmesan Mash is proof that with patience, care, and quality ingredients, home cooking can rival any restaurant experience.

The slow-cooked Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin Middle Cut delivers incredible flavour and tenderness. Meanwhile, the buttery Parmesan mash provides the perfect base for soaking up that rich, glossy sauce. It’s a true celebration of British beef — hearty, satisfying, and packed with depth.

Whether you’re cooking for loved ones, preparing a Sunday feast, or just craving a bowl of comfort after a long day, this recipe promises to deliver warmth, flavour, and satisfaction in every bite.

Created by Nicol Retailer Limited — proudly bringing premium British Red Tractor meats and professional-grade ingredients to your kitchen.

Discover more gourmet recipes and chef-quality products at nicolretailer.com
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