“Imagine a dish so luxurious, so creamy, and so satisfying that each spoonful feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. That’s the magic of classic risotto. Originating from northern Italy, this timeless dish has captivated hearts and taste buds around the world with its velvety texture and rich flavors. Let’s dive into the art of making the perfect classic risotto, where simple ingredients transform into a culinary masterpiece.”
Classic Risotto Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Stock Pot
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups arborio rice
- ⅓ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese plus more to garnish
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped.
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add butter to a large pot set over medium-low heat, allow to melt, and then add rice. Toast rice for three minutes in butter. Cook for three more minutes after adding the onion.
- Add two cups of broth and turn the heat up to medium-high. Rice should be cooked in broth, stirring often, until it absorbs about 75% of the liquid.
- The rice should then be cooked in the broth for a further cup (cup 3), or until the rice has absorbed roughly 75% of the liquid. Mix frequently.
- Cook the rice in the broth until it has absorbed roughly 75% of it by adding another cup of stock (cup 4). Mix frequently.
- It is now time to sample! Continue cooking and tasting the rice until it is almost al dente, adding ½ cup extra liquid if necessary.
- To get this state, you might need to add up to one cup (cup 6). Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and salt and pepper to taste if the rice is almost al dente (yeah!).
- Cook for a further two to three minutes, or until 90% of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring often. Then take it off the heat and serve!
Notes
- If you’d like, you can use veggie broth, but I think chicken broth tastes better!
- Use stock or broth made from chickens.
- Ideas for toppings and mix-ins are in the previous post! Easy garnish ideas are extra cheese, extra black pepper, and/or chopped chives!
- If you’d like, you can swap out the final cup of broth (cup 5) for a cup of dry white wine.
- To avoid mushy risotto, taste your dish after adding the fifth cup of stock. When the rice is almost al dente but still a little bit toothsome, add the cheese, salt, and pepper. Cooking off the last of the excess broth is the final step before serving.
- Don’t cook out all of the stock because your risotto will thicken as it cools. RINSE THE RICE BEFORE COOKING.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 255mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Calcium | 119mg |
| Vitamin A | 153IU |
| Potassium | 370mg |
What Is Traditional Risotto Made Of?
This traditional Italian side dish consists of creamy short-grain rice that has been cooked in stock. It becomes cheesy, delicious, and seductive when parmesan is added. Making homemade risotto is most likely the most impressive way to cook rice.
What Makes Risotto Creamy?
Sure, the starches that the grains gradually release throughout boiling should provide the fundamental creamy flavor of a well-prepared risotto, but a little real cream also doesn’t hurt. Don’t forget to add salt to the risotto after adding the whipped cream.
