Stove-Top Creamy Risotto (Printable version)

A creamy Italian risotto simmered on the stove, enriched with mushrooms or Parmesan cheese.

# Ingredient list:

→ Rice

01 - 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 9 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (optional for Mushroom Risotto)

→ Liquids

06 - 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, kept warm
07 - 1/2 cup dry white wine

→ Finishing

08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional or for Parmesan Risotto)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. If using mushrooms, add them now and sauté until golden and their moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in Arborio rice and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes until the grains are well-coated and slightly translucent at the edges.
04 - Pour in dry white wine, stirring constantly, and cook until fully absorbed.
05 - Add warm broth one ladleful (about 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue until rice is creamy and al dente, about 18–22 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and risotto is creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
07 - Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Achieve a perfectly creamy texture thanks to the slow absorption of broth in tender Arborio rice grains.
  • Customize with mushrooms for earthiness or Parmesan cheese for rich decadence, or combine both for a gourmet touch.
  • Ideal for a cozy vegetarian main dish that still feels elegant enough for guests.
02 -
  • Keep your broth warm to maintain a steady cooking temperature for evenly cooked rice.
  • Stir gently but consistently to release the rice’s starches without breaking the grains.
  • Use a wooden spoon to prevent overworking the rice and to better control stirring.
  • Choose a quality dry white wine to add subtle acidity and depth to the risotto.
  • For vegan versions, use plant-based butter and check for vegan Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast.
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