Tips For Making the Perfect Risotto

Food/Cooking - Cooking

By: Ellie 23-Jan-2011

Introduction:

Risotto is one of my favorite things to make--it's fast, simple, and easily perfected with these five tips!

Sauté the Risotto First

Before adding the liquid, it's important to sauté the dry risotto in some olive oil or butter for a couple of minutes first. This helps sear the exterior of the rice, making it less likely to become mushy once the liquid is added. Sautéing the risotto will add flavor and create a more even cooking pattern.

Choose the Right Stock

While risotto absorbs most of the stock, a great deal evaporates during boiling. As a result, the flavors can become much more concentrated and noticeable. It's important to keep this in mind when selecting a stock for risotto so that the dish does not become too salty or dominated by the flavors of the stock. Many people find it helpful to mix the stock with water to balance it out; this will cut back on the high sodium levels, as well as add just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the dish. Be sure to consider what other things you'll be adding to your recipe and how their flavors will blend with the stock--especially for seafood dishes, water is the best choice.

Heat the Water or Stock to a Boil In a Separate Pot

Try to avoid adding cold water or stock, as this slows the cooking process and "shocks" the rice. Keep a separate pot simmering nearby, along with a soup ladle to easily transfer the liquid to your risotto.

Go Stir Crazy

Keep stirring! Don't let the rice stick to the bottom of the pot and burn. Even if it doesn't burn, if the liquid level drops below the top of the rice, it can cause the bottom and top sections to cook at different speeds. Stirring with a wooden spoon is by far the most fun, because it allows you to sample as much as you like!

Cook Until It'S Al Dente

Cooking pasta al dente means that it's still got a little bit of chewiness to it at the end. The thickened sauce that forms around risotto is usually all you'll need to hold the dish together. Overcooking risotto can end up making your recipe look like lumpy mashed potatoes. Not only is it the more authentic way to cook Italian pasta, but al dente pasta also has a lower glycemic index and is healthier for the body.

Final Thoughts

Try out these tips the next time you set out to make the perfect risotto! As always, experiment to see what works best for you, and be sure to sample frequently.

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Comments

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pamperedpen 6/7/2011
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I've always been afraid of trying risotto; it seemed to be difficult to make. But, you have given me hope and I think I'll try my hand at it. H5
PriscillaBenfield 1/28/2011
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Excellent tips! H5. Risotto is not easy to make but your tips will help.
JulieMcMurchie 1/25/2011
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Good instructions for making risotto. I know it is worth the effort, because it is so delicious.
hummingbirdee 1/23/2011
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This is great information. I will have to try making some Risotto using your methods.