This creamy risotto recipe is the perfect dinner or lunch recipe for any occasion! It’s very fast and easy. It’s one of the healthiest comfort foods. Add healthy veggies or your choice of meat. This fantastic dish is sure to be loved by the whole family.you will also like this Beet and Goat Cheese Risotto and this Brown Rice Risotto!

why you will love this recipe

• This risotto recipe has a luxurious texture. This tender recipe is worthy of a special occasion.
• This is an elegant dish with delicious flavors.
• The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, dry white wine, and Parmesan cheese is delicious in this easy risotto recipe.
• Risotto is a versatile dish that can be altered to suit different preferences. There are plenty of vegetables, meats, seafood or herbs to add.
• This recipe is comforting and soothing to the soul.
• The creamy texture and rich flavor combine to create a dish that warms the soul.
• It’s the perfect meal for a cozy evening or when you need an extra boost of comfort.
• Perfect for holidays and weekdays.
• Despite its reputation as a complex dish, risotto is fairly simple to prepare.
• Restaurant-quality results can be achieved with just a few ingredients and patience.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free.
• check it out Instant Pot Brown Rice Another easy side dish recipe!

What is risotto?

Risotto is a classic dish from Italy. It is known for its creamy and rich texture.

It is made by slowly cooking Arborio rice in broth. Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice variety. Cook the rice until soft or al dente.

This dish is usually made by sautéing onions and garlic in butter and olive oil.

After that, add more hot stock while stirring.

This process releases the starch of the rice, creating a velvety texture.

Risottos are custom made with a variety of ingredients including vegetables, proteins, and herbs. It usually ends with grated Parmesan cheese.

This risotto recipe is warm, creamy, and thick. Tastes like comfort food!

Ingredients and Substitutes

Scroll down to the recipe card to see the full risotto recipe.

Arborio Rice is a short-grain Italian rice variety. Its high starch content gives this recipe a creamy texture. Make sure to use the Arborio rice that was made specifically for this recipe.

Chicken and vegetable broths work well. Vegetable soups are a good vegetarian or vegan option.

Shallots add flavor and depth to risotto.

Garlic enhances the overall flavor of this risotto recipe. Use fresh garlic cloves.

Dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are often used in risottos. It adds subtle acidity and depth of flavor.

Unsalted butter adds richness and a silky texture to risotto.

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil. It helps keep the rice from sticking to the pan.

Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty and savory flavor to the risotto while making it extra creamy.

Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

taste and texture

Risotto is made from a combination of ingredients that are rich and delicious.

Arborio rice absorbs the flavors of fried onions, garlic and other ingredients used in the recipe.

Adding dry white wine provides subtle acidity and depth of flavor. The dish usually ends with grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese also flavors the rice.

The texture of risotto is what sets it apart from other rice dishes. Due to its high starch content, Arborio rice releases its starch during slow cooking. That’s why it gets super creamy.

How to do it

step 1

In a medium saucepan, heat chicken stock over low heat. Keep the broth warm throughout the cooking process.

step 2

In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and chopped garlic. Saute for 5 minutes, until softened.

step 3

Then, add the Arborio rice to the skillet. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, until fragrant.

step 4

Pour in white wine. Stir.

step 5

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the warm chicken broth to the skillet, a spoonful at a time. Stir constantly. Allow each spoonful of broth to be absorbed by the rice before adding the next spoonful. Continue to cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender but still al dente.

step 6

Season with sea salt and pepper as desired.

step 7

Add Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

step 8

Remove skillet from heat. Let the risotto thicken for 2 minutes.

step 9

Finally, enjoy the risotto recipe while it’s hot. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs, if desired.

Expert Tips for Success

Use Arborio meters. Its high starch content is essential to obtain the creamy textural character of a good risotto.

Saute the rice until fragrant. This helps to toast the grains a bit, creating a protective layer that helps retain the texture.

Use hot broth. Broth should be warmed before adding it to risotto recipes. Adding cold or room temperature broth can disrupt the cooking process.

Add broth a little at a time. Stir constantly to let the rice soak up the liquid before adding more. This slow, gradual process helps create the creamy texture of risotto.

Stir constantly. It is very important to stir the risotto constantly. It helps release the starch in the rice, allowing risotto recipes to cook evenly. Use a wooden spoon or spatula.

Season carefully. Just keep in mind how much salt the broth and parmesan have. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end of cooking.

Let rest before serving. After cooking, let the risotto sit for a few minutes. This allows the rice to settle.

Flavor Variations and Additions

Fried assorted mushrooms. Choose from cream, shiitake or porcini mushrooms. Add them to onions and garlic. The earthy and tangy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with this creamy risotto recipe.

Blanch the asparagus tips and cut into bite-sized pieces. Add them to risotto with fresh lemon juice and zest.

Add diced or sun-dried tomatoes while cooking. Finish this risotto recipe with fresh chopped basil leaves.

Add cooked shrimp, scallops or fish fillets to risotto. Seafood adds sweetness, elegance.

Roast vegetables such as butternut squash, squash, zucchini or bell peppers. Stir them into risotto for a hearty, colorful dish.

Add fresh spinach leaves towards the end of cooking until wilted. Sprinkle in some grated feta cheese. This is a fantastic vegetarian combo.

Fry thin diced pork or bacon until crispy. Then, use it as a garnish for risotto. Add the cooked peas during the last few minutes of cooking.

how to eat and store

Serve this risotto recipe with a bowl of grated Parmesan. It also pairs well with light salads, served with a vinaigrette.

Risotto will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Let the risotto cool, then transfer it to an airtight container.

When reheating refrigerated risotto, add liquid to restore its creamy texture. Both water and broth are suitable for this step.

Freezing risotto is possible, but it may affect the texture and creaminess of the dish. It is best to freeze risotto immediately after cooking and cooling. Portion the risotto into freezable containers or resealable bags, making sure they are airtight. Frozen risotto will keep for about 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

required equipment

wooden shovel: These wooden spatulas are great for stirring.

large nonstick pan: This large skillet is perfect for making risotto!

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