what to serve with risotto milanese

l learned Risotto Milanese from my college roommate's Mom (they're from Milan). She served it with chicken piccata, and the Italian twist on the French haricots verts (green beans with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar). She said a light fish would also work.

Osso Bucco is my very favorite pairing with Risotto, but it's hardly light. As others have said, an impeccably fresh piece of fish would be very nice. I've also served steamed clams and/or mussels. It really depends on your audience which way you go.

I think I would make a risotto with mushrooms or asparagus, serve a platter of antipasti or make a big salad and call it a day. Oh--with wine, of course! Here are some recipes
from Saveur to give you some ideas--the spelt-red beet risotto sounds good, as does the risotto with scallops. I like risotto, but after the first few bites, it gets a bit boring, so that is why I like some of these ideas.

Well, the traditional seafood match would be a Piemontese style fish dish. These lean heavily to local trout or tench (which is similar to carp in some ways). Grilled or poached would be the typical cooking methods, as would the use of sage and/or bay leaves as seasoning.

At a traditional Italian table, the risotto would be served as a small separate course before the fish course, not as an accompaniment.

Anyhow, good luck.

I don't think a protein is required, frankly. However, if you want one, shrimp or mussels would complement the risotto, cook quickly and add a delicious layer of flavor to your meal.

Why don't you add some mushrooms and just have that? I just had a risotto Milanese with trumpet mushrooms and black truffles. It was divine!

I sometimes serve risotto Milanese with lamb shanks also.
Cheers
irina