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Risotto is a classic Italian rice dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and utterly comforting. It’s made by slowly cooking Arborio or Carnaroli rice in a flavorful broth until it becomes tender and creamy. The key to a great risotto lies in the technique: stirring constantly to release the rice’s starches and create that luscious texture. Common variations include mushroom risotto, saffron risotto, and seafood risotto. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, risotto is a delightful culinary experience.
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Directions:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over medium heat until simmering. Keep it warm while preparing the risotto.
- Sauté Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir to coat the rice with the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Add Broth:
- Begin adding the warm broth to the skillet, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, about 15 minutes.
- Incorporate Mushrooms and Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked mushrooms and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and let the risotto rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Optional Cook’s Note: For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
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Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g