Description
Creamy Risotto is a classic Italian dish known for its smooth, rich texture and exquisite flavor. Made with Arborio rice, warm broth, dry white wine, and finished with butter and Parmesan cheese, this recipe guides you step-by-step to perfect risotto every time. Ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks, it offers a comforting yet elegant meal that can be customized with various additions like mushrooms, seafood, or herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Heat the broth in a separate pot and keep it warm over low heat throughout the cooking process. Warm broth ensures even cooking and better absorption by the rice.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions or shallots and gently sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, making sure not to brown them.
- Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir it to coat each grain with the butter and oil mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, which helps in releasing the starches necessary for the creamy texture.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and cook while stirring frequently until the liquid mostly evaporates. This step adds acidity and layers of flavor that balance the richness of the dish.
- Add Broth Gradually: Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring often. Wait until most of the broth is absorbed before adding more. This slow addition and frequent stirring coax the rice to release its starches and develop a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Butter and Cheese: When the rice is tender but still slightly firm at the center, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the remaining butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add luxurious creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste your risotto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the best texture, garnished if desired with fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- Keep the broth hot throughout the cooking process to maintain an even temperature.
- Stir gently and frequently to release starch without breaking the grains.
- Patience is essential—add broth slowly and allow the rice to absorb it fully for creamy results.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor quality.
- Do not rinse the rice before cooking, as this removes starch needed for creaminess.
- Serve risotto immediately as its perfect texture is fleeting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: creamy risotto, Italian risotto recipe, Arborio rice, comfort food, easy risotto, vegetarian risotto, gluten free risotto