Summer Recipes - Riso Freddo

This recipe is one of the most popular throughout Italy during the summer; quick and easy, one of the best dishes to take to beach. One of my favourites, always reminds me of summer...

Ready in: 25 mins

Degree of difficulty: Very Easy!

Ingredients 3/4 persons:

Rice: 350g, cooked white rice, cooled to room temperature
Hot dogs: 1-2, boiled and chopped into cubes
Emmental (or Asiago) Cheese: 100g, chopped into cubes
Ready made jar mixture for seasoning rice (by Sacla or Condiriso; sottolio mixtures can be found in Italian delicatessen, if not available or for a 'fresh' home made version, see below): 100 g of drained product
Cherry Tomatoes: 5-6, chopped / Salad Tomatoes: 2 chopped small
Mayonnaise: 2-3 spoons
Salt: to taste

Basil: (optional) 4-5 leaves
Ham (optional, I usually don't add it but can be included alongside hot dogs sausages): about 50g, chopped into cubes
Tuna (optional, can be used with or instead of hot dogs): 1 small tin

Alternative to ready made jar mixture:
Sacla Chargrilled Peppers Antipasto/ Sacla Mushrooms Antipasto/ Sacla Artichoke Antipasto (can all be found in Tesco): 2/3 spoons of each, drained and chopped into small cubes
Pitted Green and/or Black Olives: chopped
Sweetcorn: 2-3 spoons
Cooked Peas: 2-3 spoons

Mix all of the selected ingredients well, allow to cool in fridge for 30 mins and serve as desired.

Some like to add boiled eggs, pickled onions and capers... I am not a fan of these, but you may want to add.