Recipe: Risotto for Breakfast? Fratelli Paradiso Says Yes With This Hearty Riso Al Latte

Sydney restaurant Fratelli Paradiso is justifiably renowned for its lunch and dinner dishes – such as calamari Sant’ Andrea, lasagnetta bolognaise and boozy tiramisu. Since 2001, these updated classics have pulled diners from well beyond Potts Point’s manicured streets.

Breakfast, though? It’s comparatively unsung, despite Paradiso’s in-house panetteria (bakery). According to head chef Nigel Ward, that’s partly because Italian culture itself places such a great emphasis on the latter meals of the day. So much so that this dish was adapted from a popular Northern Italian dessert.

“We thought it was a great way of having a nice hearty breakfast – instead of a porridge or anything like that,” Ward says. “We wanted to marry what Australian people expect from a restaurant breakfast menu, while trying to be authentic.”

Although the base always remains the same, Fratelli Paradiso’s kitchen changes up the garnishes every two months to complement the seasons and the temperature.

As with any risotto, the trick is to stir it constantly. “You’ve got to do that to extract the starch – that’s what gives it a lovely, creamy consistency,” Ward says.

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Riso al latte by Fratelli Paradiso

Serves 4

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2–3 lime leaves (optional garnish)

½ cup shredded coconut

4 fresh figs

4 dried figs

½ tbsp honey

Zest and juice of ½ lime

200g vialone nano or carnaroli rice

1L Jersey milk

2 tbsp caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla paste

Method

If using lime leaves, set oven to 70°C. Boil leaves for 1 minute, then place in the oven on a baking tray for 8–12 hours until completely dry. Blend or grind into a powder.

The next day, preheat the oven 180°C. Spread the coconut on a baking tray and cook for 6–8 minutes, mixing every 2 minutes, until the coconut is a nice golden colour.

Meanwhile, cut the dry figs into 1cm cubes and soak in a bowl with ½ cup hot water. Set aside to cool.

Puree the fresh figs, honey, zest and juice in a blender.

Place a heavy-based pot over a low heat. Add the rice, milk, vanilla paste and caster sugar. Cook very slowly, stirring continuously, for 30–35 minutes until the milk becomes creamy and the rice tender. Add more milk as needed.

Transfer the rice to 4 bowls and pour the fig puree on top. Finish with the dried figs and roasted coconut and, if using, a dusting of lime leaf powder.

This is an extract from The Broadsheet Italian Cookbook, which features 80 recipes from Australia's best restaurants, cafes and bars.