Risotto al buristo

Risotto with buristo is a distinctive, almost forgotten traditional dish, that deserves to transcend the narrow Sienese boarders. The buristo is a sausage of ancient origins in the territory of Siena that go all the way back to the Etruscans who used to consume it after heating it on hot stones. The buristo sausage is sliced in thin pieces and peeled from its outer skin. It is then simmered along with a finely chopped onion in some extra virgin olive oil until the fat is completely melted and a thick meat broth has been formed. The rice is added along with a generous amount of red wine, salt and pepper and left to simmer. Before served it is seasoned with cinnamon powder and a knife ground coriander. It is served hot ideally accompanied by a glass or two Chianti Colli Senesi.