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Creamy Risotto

Creamy Risotto
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Master the art of making restaurant-quality Creamy Risotto at home with this classic Italian recipe. Featuring Arborio rice cooked slowly with warm broth, dry white wine, and finished with butter and Parmesan, this dish delivers a rich, velvety texture and perfectly tender grains every time. Ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions, it’s elegant, comforting, and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • 4 to 5 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small shallot or 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth: Keep your broth warm in a pot over low heat throughout the entire cooking process to ensure even cooking and smooth liquid absorption by the rice.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots or onions and cook gently until translucent and fragrant without browning, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Toast the rice: Add Arborio rice to the pan and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until each grain is shiny and slightly toasted, building an al dente texture and releasing starch gradually for creaminess.
  4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry white wine and simmer while stirring until mostly absorbed. This adds acidity and depth to balance the creaminess.
  5. Add broth gradually: Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until the liquid is almost fully absorbed before adding more. This slow process allows the rice to release starch and become creamy. Continue until rice is tender with a slight bite, about 18-20 minutes.
  6. Finish with butter and cheese: Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky smooth.
  7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then serve immediately to enjoy the perfect creamy texture.

Notes

  • Use warm broth to maintain cooking temperature and improve starch release.
  • Stir frequently but not necessarily constantly, to incorporate air and develop creaminess.
  • Patience is key: add broth gradually to avoid mushy rice and achieve perfect texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t skip finishing butter and Parmesan to get that silky richness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/creamy-risotto/