Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe
Picture a dish that embodies the tradition and elegance of Italian cuisine, a comfort food that wraps you in its warmth and flavor. We’re talking about a dish that is much more than just a simple first course: it’s a celebration of taste. Today, I’ll guide you through the steps to create from scratch a creamy risotto, adorned with the king of Italian cheeses.
I still remember when my grandmother opened the door to her kitchen, letting out fragrant clouds of melted butter and golden onion; it was the prelude to the magic of risotto, creamed with freshly grated parmesan. That memory has the power to bring me back to happy moments every time I repeat that culinary ritual in my kitchen.
Now it’s your turn: prepare the ingredients, sharpen your senses, and let yourself be guided on this sensory journey where each grain of rice becomes a vehicle for a refined taste experience. And if you want to add a personal touch, remember the secret twist: a sprinkle of nutmeg to further enhance the authentic flavors of the dish.
Recipe Notes
- EASE: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, resulting in a sophisticated dish.
- PROS: Creamy risotto packed with flavor, thanks to the parmesan.
- CONS: Requires constant attention during the rice cooking process.
- PREPARATION: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a special dinner.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 450 calories per serving, providing a moderate calorie intake.
Ingredients Notes for the Recipe
- Small White Onion: adds flavor and texture to the risotto
- Butter: adds creaminess and richness to the dish
- Risotto Rice (Arborio or Carnaroli): absorbs flavors during cooking
- Dry White Wine: adds depth of flavor to the risotto
- Beef Broth as needed: essential for cooking the risotto
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: gives the dish its characteristic parmesan flavor
- Salt and Black Pepper as needed: to adjust the taste of the risotto
Nutritional Aspects
Our Creamy Parmesan Risotto not only brings a burst of flavor and tradition to the table but also offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its quality ingredients.
- Rich in complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.
- Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein.
- Contains saturated fats from butter, which should be moderated for a balanced diet.
- Controlled calorie intake per serving, approximately 450 Kcal.
- Low in simple sugars, suitable for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
- Opportunity to enhance the nutritional profile by adding spices like nutmeg.
Recipe for Risotto alla Parmigiana
Ingredients
- 1 Cipolla Bianca Piccola Onion Small White
- 100 g Butter
- 350 g Rice for risottos (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
- 1 Bicchiere White Wine Glass of dry
- q.b. (circa 1 tazza) Meat Broth as needed (about 1 cup)
- 100 g Parmesan Cheese Grated
- q.b. Salt to taste
- q.b. Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by finely chopping the onion.
- Melt half of the butter (50 g) in a saucepan over medium heat and add the chopped onion, letting it sauté until it becomes golden brown.
- Pour in the glass of dry white wine and let the alcohol evaporate, stirring gently.
- Add the rice to the saucepan and lightly toast it, ensuring that each grain is coated with the butter and onion.
- Begin adding the hot broth gradually, continuing to stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Continue cooking the rice, adding broth as it is absorbed, for about 15 minutes or until the rice is al dente.
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the remaining butter (50 g) and the grated Parmesan, stirring vigorously to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Let the risotto rest for 4-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Variations of Parmesan Risotto
Add a pop of color with fresh peas or sautéed spinach.
- Try adding crispy bacon bits for a bolder flavor.
- Swap the Parmesan cheese with pecorino for a more rustic twist.
- For a lighter version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Risotto
If you’re unsure about how to make Parmesan Risotto, here are the answers to the most common questions.
How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot during cooking?
Add the warm broth gradually and stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking. Make sure to lightly toast the rice with butter and onion before adding the broth.
How can I make my Parmesan Risotto creamier?
After turning off the heat, stir in the remaining butter and grated parmesan vigorously to achieve a creamy consistency. Let it rest for 4-5 minutes before serving.
How can I add a creative touch to Parmesan Risotto?
For a creative twist, sprinkle a pinch of grated nutmeg during the stirring to further enhance the flavors of the parmesan and butter.
