Quick Risotto

Quick Risotto Recipe from Italy with Chicken Broth and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. This Quick Risotto recipe is a simplified version of the traditional dish, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

History

Risotto has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 14th century. Originally from Northern Italy, risotto was a way to make use of the abundant rice crops in the region. Over time, the dish has evolved and become a popular comfort food around the world.

Ingredients

2 cups chicken broth, divided
1 cup uncooked U.S. arborio or medium-grain rice
1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.5 cup thinly sliced carrots
0.5 cup sliced yellow squash
0.5 cup sliced zucchini
0.25 cup wine
0.25 cup parmesan cheese
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.25 tsp ground white pepper

How to prepare

Combine 1.5 cups of broth and rice in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir once or twice. Lower the heat to simmer.
Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot.
Cook the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Add wine and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
Add the remaining 0.5 cup of broth to the hot rice and stir until the broth is absorbed over medium-high heat.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, reserved vegetables, cream, and pepper.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Stir in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
Use different vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use arborio or medium-grain rice for the best results, as these varieties are known for their creamy texture when cooked.

- Stir the risotto frequently to help release the starches in the rice, creating a creamy consistency.

- Add the broth gradually, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.

- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture in this dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Quick Risotto as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice slowly and stir frequently to achieve the creamy texture of risotto.

- Cooking the vegetables separately helps to maintain their texture and flavor in the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This Quick Risotto is best served immediately after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the risotto with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. - Serve the risotto in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Quick Risotto with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the risotto in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to help revive the creamy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 7g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 7g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (rice)

Summary

This Quick Risotto recipe is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a quick and easy dinner.

Summary

This Quick Risotto recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. With a creamy texture and a mix of fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Quick Risotto. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious Italian dishes, and that day she was preparing a creamy and flavorful risotto that had my mouth watering.

As Maria stirred the Arborio rice and broth in a large pot, she shared with me the secret to making the perfect risotto in just a fraction of the time it usually takes. She explained that instead of slowly adding broth and stirring constantly, she used a technique that involved pre-cooking the rice in the microwave.

Intrigued by this shortcut, I watched closely as Maria demonstrated the process. She started by microwaving diced onions and garlic in butter until they were soft and fragrant. Then she added the Arborio rice and microwaved it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to toast the grains.

Next, Maria poured in a mixture of chicken broth and white wine and microwaved the rice until it was cooked through and creamy. She finished the risotto with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, creating a dish that was both comforting and elegant.

I couldn't believe how easy and quick it was to make such a delicious risotto. Maria laughed at my amazement and told me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations.

After enjoying a satisfying meal of risotto with Maria, I couldn't wait to try the recipe for myself. I went home that evening and gathered the ingredients, following Maria's instructions to a tee. As I watched the rice cook and absorb the flavors in the microwave, I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this Quick Risotto countless times, tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added mushrooms, peas, and even seafood to create different variations of the dish. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new recipe that has become a cherished tradition in my family.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family members, passing on the delicious secret that Maria taught me. It never fails to impress guests at dinner parties, who marvel at the rich and creamy texture of the risotto and the depth of flavor in each bite.

As I sit in my own kitchen now, preparing a batch of Quick Risotto for dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships and memories that have been created around this simple yet elegant dish. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections that transcend time and distance.

And so, as I take my first bite of creamy risotto, I say a silent thank you to Maria and her grandmother for sharing this recipe with me. It has become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire, a treasure that I will continue to pass down to future generations.