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Creamy Risotto

Creamy Risotto
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Creamy Risotto is a classic Italian dish featuring tender Arborio rice cooked slowly in savory broth, white wine, and enriched with butter and Parmesan cheese for a rich, silky texture. This comforting and versatile recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, providing a luscious, soul-soothing meal that is customizable with vegetables, proteins, or herbs to suit any occasion or diet.

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 unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Broth: Warm the chicken or vegetable broth in a pot over low heat, keeping it hot throughout the risotto cooking process to allow the rice to absorb flavors evenly.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Gently cook the finely chopped onions or shallots until translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma without browning.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add Arborio rice to the pan and stir continuously for about two minutes, allowing the grains to lightly toast and become coated in oil to enhance texture and prevent clumping.
  4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in dry white wine and stir until mostly absorbed. This adds brightness and balances the richness as the alcohol cooks off.
  5. Add Broth Gradually: Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously and waiting until most liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle. This slow absorption encourages the release of starches, creating creaminess.
  6. Stir and Cook to Perfection: Continue adding broth and stirring over 18–20 minutes until rice is tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente), with a creamy, luscious consistency.
  7. Finish with Butter and Parmesan: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in cold butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, emulsifying them into the risotto for a rich, silky finish.

Notes

  • Patience is key: slowly adding broth and constant stirring unlock the perfect creamy texture.
  • Use quality broth: a rich, well-seasoned broth greatly improves flavor.
  • Keep the broth warm to prevent shocking the rice and slowing cooking.
  • Don’t overcook the rice: aim for al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Finish off heat: butter and cheese added last meld smoothly and enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: risotto, creamy risotto, Italian rice dish, Arborio rice, comfort food, easy risotto, homemade risotto

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