Sartù di Riso

Ingredients:

For the rice:

- 2 cups Arborio rice

- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:

- 1/2 lb ground beef

- 1/2 lb ground pork

- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/2 cup red wine

- 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the assembly:

- 1/2 cup frozen peas

- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

- Bread crumbs

- Butter for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round baking dish or a bundt pan with butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on the bottom and sides of the pan.

2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains with oil.

3. Gradually add the vegetable or chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more broth. Continue cooking until the rice is al dente.

4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool.

5. In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.

6. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion is softened.

7. Pour in the red wine and cook until the alcohol evaporates. Then add the tomato passata or crushed tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes.

8. Once the rice and filling are cool, begin assembling the Sartù. Press a layer of rice onto the bottom and sides of the prepared baking dish, creating a hollow space in the center.

9. Fill the hollow space with the meat sauce, layering it with the boiled egg quarters, mozzarella cubes, and frozen peas.

10. Cover the filling with the remaining rice, pressing it down gently to seal the filling inside.

11. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of the rice layer.

12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

13. Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Carefully invert the Sartù onto a serving platter.

14. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the layers of flavorful rice, meat sauce, and fillings.

Sartù di Riso is a labor-intensive dish, but the result is a stunning and delicious centerpiece for any special occasion. Enjoy your homemade Sartù di Riso!