Risotto

Risotto is an Italian rice dish from Italy, made with arborio rice or carnaroli rice that is cooked with butter or olive oil and broth.

Risotto comes from Northern Italy in the regions where rice paddies are grown. Piedmont, Lombardy, and Veneto are the regions that developed risotto and are considered part of Milanese cuisine.

Arborio rice is cooked with olive oil or butter and then ladlefuls of vegetable or meat broth are added slowly while stirring. This method releases starch molecules and ensures that the rice becomes creamy and stays al dente (slightly firm). Classic risotto is finished with more butter and Parmesan cheese, but numerous variations of seafood, meat and vegetables can be used.