Looking for a good Halloween recipe that will impress your guests and give them a spooky surprise at the same time? This Risotto al Nero di Seppia with its dramatic black hue from squid ink could be your answer. Paired with tender salmon, it makes the perfect dish for a great Halloween dinner party. Particularly because the black risotto colour beautifully contrasts the orangey-pink colour of the salmon. Ultimately adding a stylishly spooky touch to your table and keeping the Halloween spirit alive!
Whether you’re hosting a small party with friends or family, or just enjoying a quiet night in, this black risotto makes for an easy Halloween recipe with a deliciously striking visual effect. So if you’ve been searching for the best Halloween dinner ideas, this one for sure has got your back. It’s easy to make, unique and and devilishly delicious.
Ingredients for 2 servings:
Salt and pepper to taste
160 g Carnaroli rice
150 salmon fillet
50 g shallot, finely chopped
20 g Pecorino cheese, grated
4 g squid ink
1 untreated orange (zest)
50 ml dry white wine
Vegetable broth (for risotto)
Extra virgin olive oil
Some shredded green vegetable pieces for garnishing
Cooking Method:
- Slice the salmon into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside. The fresh salmon provides a vibrant contrast to the black risotto, making it an ideal choice for any Halloween dinner recipe.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté until they soften and become translucent. This step builds the flavour base for your squid ink risotto, a must-try for those looking for Italian seafood recipes.
- Stir in the Carnaroli rice (Arborio rice if that’s what you have) and lightly toast it for a minute or two. Add the white wine and let it evaporate. This process enhances the depth of flavour, essential for creating the perfect Halloween risotto.
- Gradually add vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is creamy and nearly fully cooked, creating the ideal creamy risotto texture.
- Add the squid ink, stirring well until the risotto is evenly blackened. The deep, dark colour gives this dish a spooky, sophisticated look, making it one of the best Halloween recipes for a refined dinner.
- Once the risotto is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Pecorino cheese (or Parmesan cheese ). Add a touch of fresh orange zest to brighten the dish and complement the seafood flavours.
- Once cooked, immediately plate the risotto, ensuring it is smooth and creamy. Place the seasoned salmon pieces on top in the centre of the plated risotto.
- Garnish with thinly shredded raw vegetable pieces, for a fresh, slightly aniseed crunch. The contrast between the black risotto and the vibrant salmon makes it a stunning centrepiece for any sophisticated Halloween dinner party.
This black squid ink risotto with fennel and salmon is a sophisticated yet simple Halloween recipe to try at home. As you can see, this dish is one that combines dramatic presentation with simple flavours, making it one of the best rice recipes to serve your guests this spooky season. Whether you’re looking for spooky-looking recipes to impress your guests, this dish will bring both style and deliciousness to your Halloween celebrations.
Now it’s your turn to try it, and let me know if you love it!