Parmesan Risotto
A luxurious, creamy Italian classic that highlights the nutty depth of aged Parmesan cheese in every velvety bite.
Ingredients
- •1.5 cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice
- •5 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
- •1/2 cup dry white wine
- •1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- •1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable broth in a saucepan over low heat and keep it at a gentle simmer.
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- 3
Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the rice to the pot and toast it, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the edges of the grains are translucent.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been fully absorbed by the rice.
- 6
Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each ladle is absorbed before adding the next.
- 7
Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is al dente and the texture is creamy.
- 8
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- 9
Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated, as the latter contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into a smooth sauce.
- Keep your broth warm throughout the process; adding cold broth will shock the rice and stop the cooking process, resulting in an uneven texture.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days; reheat with a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished risotto should be pale, creamy, and slightly loose, with rice grains that are tender yet firm to the bite, offering a rich, savory, and nutty flavor profile.