How To Cook Risotto: A Beginner’s Guide

arborio rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is higher in protein, while long-grain rice is often less expensive.

white wine

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic wine

💰Cheaper: chicken broth

Non-alcoholic wine retains flavor without alcohol, while chicken broth is budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while pecorino provides a similar flavor at a lower cost.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option, while margarine can be less expensive.

Finely dice the garlic and onion.

Bring the vegetable stock to a rolling boil, cover with a lid, and set aside or keep at a light simmer.

Preheat a deep pan over medium heat.

Add butter, onion, and garlic to the pan; cook until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.

Add arborio rice to the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in white wine and cook until fully absorbed into the rice.

Add one ladle of stock at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.

Continue this process until the rice is cooked through, about 15-25 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add butter and parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and grate more parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens