Hi food lovers!
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and love to explore a destination through its flavors, then you absolutely must try the local black risotto — a delicious and eye-catching specialty that’s as iconic as the city walls themselves!
This unique dish, known as crni rižot in Croatian, combines arborio rice, cuttlefish, and rich, briny cuttlefish ink, creating a dark, velvety risotto with an unmistakable flavor of the Adriatic. It’s both elegant and rustic, comforting and full of character — much like Dubrovnik itself.
Served hot, often with a slice of lemon to enhance the flavor, black risotto is a must-try dish that reflects the heart of the local cuisine.
The Recipe: Make It at Home!
Want to bring a taste of Dubrovnik to your own kitchen? Here’s how to make an authentic black risotto from scratch:
Ingredients:
- 250 g arborio rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 liter fish stock
- 1 fresh cuttlefish (cleaned, with ink sac reserved)
- 100 ml white wine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 50 g grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and let it reduce.
- Begin adding the hot fish stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Let each addition absorb before adding more.
- While the rice cooks, clean the cuttlefish and chop it into small pieces. Set the ink aside.
- Once the rice is nearly done, stir in the cuttlefish and ink. Let simmer for 20 more minutes until rich and creamy.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
🍽 Tips:
- Homemade fish stock gives the best flavor.
- If fresh ink is unavailable, you can use store-bought cuttlefish ink.
- To control how dark the risotto gets, you can mix in a little plain rice for contrast.
Black Teeth? No Problem!
Yes, it’s true — cuttlefish ink can leave your teeth a little… artistic. But don’t worry! Here are a few local tips to keep your smile bright after enjoying your black risotto:
- Drink a glass of white wine after the meal — it helps balance the acidity.
- Chew fresh mint leaves — their natural antibacterial properties help clean your mouth.
- Brush with baking soda for a gentle, natural whitening effect.
The Final Word
Black risotto with cuttlefish ink is a dish that tells the story of Dubrovnik’s connection to the sea — rich, bold, and unforgettable. Whether you’re dining by the waterfront or recreating it at home, this dish is a feast for the senses.
Pair it with a dry, fruity white wine, and you’ll have a perfect Dalmatian moment on your plate.
Bon appétit, or as we say in Dubrovnik — Dobar tek!
See you soon,
Vesna