There are certain dishes that stand out as both comforting and elegant, and Creamy Parmesan Risotto undoubtedly belongs to this prestigious category. This Italian classic is a testament to the art of creating a velvety and flavorful dish that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart. With every spoonful, one embarks on a journey of flavors and textures that make this dish a masterpiece in its own right.

At the heart of Creamy Parmesan Risotto lies Arborio rice, a short-grain variety known for its exceptional ability to absorb liquids and create a luscious, creamy consistency. This rice acts as the canvas upon which the symphony of flavors is painted, and its role in the dish cannot be understated.

The journey begins with a finely chopped onion and minced garlic sizzling in a generous drizzle of high quality extra virgin olive oil. The aromas that waft through the kitchen are nothing short of intoxicating, as the onion softens and the garlic releases its fragrant essence. This aromatic foundation sets the stage for what is to come.

The Arborio rice makes its entrance, added to the pan and coated in the aromatic mixture. This step, known as toasting the rice, is crucial as it helps develop the rice’s nutty flavor and ensures that each grain will later release its starch to create the desired creaminess.

Now, let us delve into a vital aspect of this culinary creation: the imperative need to constantly stir the Arborio rice. The art of making risotto hinges on this seemingly simple yet critical action. As the rice absorbs the liquid, in this case, warm vegetable broth, it releases starch into the surrounding liquid, creating a luxurious and creamy sauce. Stirring the rice continuously serves several crucial purposes.

One, it prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. The constant movement ensures that all sides of the rice grains come into contact with the hot liquid evenly, preventing any unpleasant scorching.

Two, stirring encourages the slow release of starch, which is the key to achieving that signature creamy texture. The grains gently rub against each other, creating the desired creaminess without the need for heavy cream or excessive butter.

Three, it allows for consistent cooking. Risotto requires precision, and by stirring regularly, you can monitor the rice’s progress, ensuring that it cooks uniformly. This meticulous attention to detail results in perfectly cooked rice that is tender yet slightly al dente – a hallmark of a well executed risotto.

As the rice absorbs the flavorful vegetable broth, it undergoes a gradual transformation. Each ladle of warm liquid adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Once the Arborio rice reaches the desired creamy consistency and is tender yet toothsome, it’s time to elevate the dish to the next level. Enter grated Parmesan cheese, butter, and freshly chopped parsley. These rich, indulgent, and herbaceous ingredients are folded into the risotto, transforming it into a velvety masterpiece.

The Parmesan cheese imparts a decadent umami flavor and a creamy texture, while the butter adds a luxurious richness that takes the risotto to the pinnacle of indulgence. The parsley infuses the risotto with its bright and slightly earthy flavor, creating a more vibrant and aromatic profile. A final seasoning of salt and ground black pepper elevates the flavors to perfection.

Garnished with a flourish of fresh chopped parsley, Creamy Parmesan Risotto is ready to be served. Each spoonful offers a sensory journey – an exquisite balance of creamy, savory, and slightly salty notes, all held together by the comforting embrace of Arborio rice.

Creamy Parmesan Risotto serves as the ideal companion to Heirloom Tomato Braised Lamb Shank, offering a velvety and rich contrast to the savory, tender lamb while harmonizing with the vibrant flavors of the heirloom tomato sauce. Together they create a symphony of tastes and textures that elevate the dining experience to new heights.

Creamy Parmesan Risotto is a testament to the art of Italian cuisine, where simplicity and precision result in a culinary masterpiece. And while it may seem a minor detail, the constant stirring of Arborio rice is the secret ingredient that unlocks the creamy perfection of this dish, making it a must-try for anyone seeking the ultimate in comfort and elegance on their plate.

Creamy Parmesan Risotto

5 from 1 vote

Recipe by Kyle Taylor Course: SidesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Hard

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Creamy Parmesan Risotto is a creamy and velvety Italian rice dish enriched with the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese, offering a delightful combination of comfort and indulgence in a single bite.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 Arborio rice
4 cups 4 vegetable broth
1 small 1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of 2 garlic, minced
1 cup 1 Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon 1 parsley, freshly chopped
2 tablespoons 2 butter
2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil
to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Toast the Rice:
Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the olive oil, onion, and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until the edges become slightly translucent.
Begin Adding Broth:
In the microwave or in a saucepan, gently warm the vegetable broth. Start adding the warmed vegetable broth to the rice, one ladle at a time. Stir constantly, and allow the liquid to be mostly absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice becomes creamy and tender. This should take about 25-30 minutes.
Add Butter, Parmesan Cheese, and Parsley:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, butter, and parsley. Continue to cook and stir until the risotto is creamy and the cheese and butter are fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve:
Once the risotto reaches the desired creamy consistency and the rice is tender, remove it from heat. Garnish the Creamy Parmesan Risotto with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot as a delicious side dish to a dish like Heirloom Tomato Braised Lamb Shank.