What Is Risotto?

People sometimes wonder whether risotto is just simply rice. However, while risotto is made with rice as the main ingredient, there is so much more to this famous dish. Not only are there multiple versions of risotto, it can also be made as a main course rather than merely a side dish. Much of it depends on the ingredients.

If you love risotto you are in for a treat today. If you have never tasted it, today might be the day to get you excited. We are sharing a couple of risotto recipes brought to Canada by Loretta’s Zia (aunt), an immigrant from Italy in the late fifties.

While Risotto is distinctly Italian, rice itself is not. Back in the 14th century, Arabs were roaming the Mediterranian looking to expand the Ottoman Empire. Rice was an unknown food in Italy and most of Europe at that time. It is these Arab warriors and traders who first introduced rice to Sicily in Italy.

From Sicily, the cultivation of rice slowly proceeded to Naples and eventually extended to northern Italy via the marshes of the Po river valley. The Mediterranean in particular, with its flat land, humidity, and abundance of water was perfect for growing the short-grain rice required for Risotto. To this day the Po river valley is one of the largest rice producers in Europe.

The name risotto comes from the Italian word riso, which means rice. In Northern Italy, risotto is much more than a fancy rice dish, it is actually part of the region’s heritage.

Risotto to Die For

Types of Risotto

Loretta was born into an Italian family. She has feasted on many variations of this succulent dish. The two recipes we are sharing with you are Risotto Alla Milanese (with saffron) and Risotto Porcini Secchi (with dried mushrooms). These classic dishes are served in many fine restaurants and kitchens worldwide.

There is a story about Risotto Alla Milanese going back centuries. The story begins in Milan where a famous painter used saffron (zafferano) to add yellow pigment to his paints. The painter had an apprentice who was about to marry his daughter and who, as a prank, decided to add saffron to a rice dish he was preparing. However, rather than ‘pranking’ his future father-in-law, his rice dish turned out to be really delicious and Risotto Alla Milanese was born.

Risotto Alla Milanese

Risotto Con Verdure

Sausage, White Wine Risotto

There are many risotto recipes to choose from with different ingredients and they all have a name, from risotto with saffron or zafferano (Risotto Alla Milanese), to risotto with sausages and, risotto with vegetables (Risotto Verdura). You can find risotto with mushrooms, fish, sausages, or chicken gizzards. The list goes on and on.

Risotto is popular since it is such a gratifying and nutritious dish. It comforts the soul. Ask any Italian!

The Dreaded Preparation of the “Death” Dish

Preparing risotto requires really good ingredients, attention, and patience! There are plenty of chefs who dread preparing risotto just right. Popular and versatile, the preparation of risotto is actually quite simple, yet even some great chefs can be nervous to get this dish just right. The flavours of the dish have to be subtle and the rice has to be ‘al dente’. To achieve this can be quite finicky! And, chefs have reputations to hold up…

But don’t let that stop you from making your own. It is so rewarding!

Australian chef, Ms. Shan lost a competition preparing risotto: “I think the reason that risotto is known as the death dish is that there's such a huge spectrum of what's good on the scale of risotto.” Risotto is about the right ingredients, consistency and texture, and subtle flavours according to Ms. Shan.

When cooking the rice you need to babysit it by spooning in a ladle of broth just enough to cover the rice and once boiled down you repeat this until you get the rice “to the bite” or “al dente”. The rice has to have a nice firmness and not be overcooked or mushy.

The cooking process takes about 18 to 20 minutes. When making risotto, use good quality rice (see below) and good stock (preferably homemade). The stock can be chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth. Use unsalted butter and good-quality parmesan cheese. Of course, there are many ingredients that you can add to this simple dish.

The 3 Best Types of Rice Used to Make Risotto

It’s hard to believe that there are about 120 types of rice in Italy. However, only 12 are actually cultivated. The rice grown in Italy falls under the Japonica variety (East Asian). It is a round, thick and hard grain. It is an aromatic grain. These rice varieties are grown in Northern Italy, from the Piedmont region in the west, through the Po valley and Lombardy to the Veneto region. Italy is a major rice grower for Europe!

Carnaroli

Vialone Nano

Arborio

1. Carnaroli

Hailed as the king of Italian rice and favored by many chefs, Carnaroli is a superfine rice with a high starch content. It is generally considered to be the best for making risotto. This rice produces a very creamy risotto with a nice bite or as the Italians call it “al dente”. Carnaroli is typically available from Italian stores.

2. Arborio

Number two in the line-up of best risotto rice grains is Arborio. This rice grain is named after the commune of Arborio in the northwestern Italian region of Piedmont. Arborio absorbs a lot of liquid during cooking, making it an excellent choice. Today it is grown all over Northern Italy. Arborio rice is a rounded, short-grain rice kernel high in starch. Though less starchy than Carnaroli, Arborio produces a lovely creamy-textured risotto. It is the most widely available risotto rice type and can be found in local supermarkets.

3. Vialone Nano

This rice variety originated in the regions of Verona and Mantova around the 1930s. The grains are of medium size and more rounded, and although the grain expands during cooking, it maintains a firm, compact and soft texture.

Things You Need to Make an Awesome Risotto

We recommend using a wide casserole or pot to make the risotto. An enamel-coated deep skillet or casserole like a Creuset or Cuisinart one works really well. The rice can be found in local Italian stores or Whole Foods.

If you do not have an Italian store or Whole Foods nearby, look for it on Amazon. You can even get the saffron for Risotto Alla Milanese from Amazon, as well as a good block Parmigiano Reggiano.

Get My Two Risotto Recipes

Shop Supplies and Ingredients on Amazon

To take the guesswork out of making risotto we have curated the best supplies and ingredients for you. Click on the image below to go to Amazon for your purchase!