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Creamy Risotto

Creamy Risotto

Creamy Risotto is a classic Italian dish known for its luscious, velvety texture and rich flavor. Made with Arborio rice slowly cooked in warm broth and finished with butter and Parmesan cheese, this recipe combines simple ingredients with careful technique to create a comforting, elegant meal perfect for any occasion. Customizable with various proteins, vegetables, and herbs, it’s a versatile favorite that impresses with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions or shallots and grate the Parmesan cheese. Warm the broth in a separate pot over low heat to ensure it is hot when added to the rice.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, heat olive oil with a bit of butter. Add the onions or shallots and sauté gently until they become translucent and slightly golden, stirring regularly to prevent browning.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This coats the rice grains with fat, awakening their flavor and helping maintain their shape during cooking.
  4. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine and stir until the liquid mostly evaporates, adding acidity and brightness to balance the dish’s richness.
  5. Gradually Add Warm Broth: Add a ladleful of warm broth to the rice, stirring gently until nearly all the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process, adding broth one ladle at a time and stirring frequently, for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite.
  6. Finish with Butter and Parmesan: Stir in the remaining cold butter and grated Parmesan cheese. This final step creates the creamy texture and blends the flavors beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Keep the broth warm throughout cooking to maintain a consistent temperature and texture.
  • Stir gently and frequently to activate the rice starch, essential for creaminess.
  • Avoid overcooking; the rice should be tender but still al dente.
  • Use fresh Parmesan and a good-quality white wine for best flavor and richness.
  • Patience is key: add broth slowly for perfect texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy risotto, Italian risotto, Arborio rice, comfort food, easy risotto recipe