Imagine a dish so luxuriously creamy, so decadently rich, that it transports you straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite. This isn't just another rice dish - this is a magical, velvety parmesan risotto that will revolutionize your home cooking and make your taste buds dance with pure delight! Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g Arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1L vegetable or chicken broth
- 100ml white wine
- 100g grated parmesan cheese
- 50g butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion and set aside. Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into a separate saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain with butter and prevent burning. This helps release the rice's starches and enhances its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the white wine and stir continuously until the liquid is completely absorbed by the rice.
- Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait for each ladle of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. This slow process helps create the creamy texture characteristic of risotto.
- Continue adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked al dente - tender but with a slight firmness in the center.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the remaining butter and grated parmesan cheese. The residual heat will help melt the cheese and create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with additional grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. The risotto should spread slightly on the plate, with a creamy, flowing texture.
Tips
- Use authentic Arborio rice - its high starch content is crucial for achieving that signature creamy texture.
- Keep your broth warm throughout cooking to ensure consistent temperature and even absorption.
- Stir constantly to release the rice's starches and prevent sticking or burning.
- Add broth gradually, allowing each ladle to be fully absorbed before adding the next.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the most intense flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process - patience is key to a perfect risotto.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal creamy consistency.
- If the risotto becomes too thick, you can always thin it out with a little extra warm broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 50mg
