Save Experience the classic comfort of Stove-Top Creamy Risotto, an Italian staple that elevates simple Arborio rice into a silky, luscious dish. Slowly simmered and stirred with care, this risotto can be enriched with earthy mushrooms or creamy Parmesan cheese, creating a meal that is both elegant and satisfying. Ideal for a vegetarian main course, it brings warmth and indulgence to your table.
Pin it This risotto showcases the simple yet deep flavors of Italian cooking, marrying the sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic with the tang of white wine and the savory depth of broth. Whether enhanced with mushrooms or Parmesan, every bite melts in your mouth with creamy richness that pleases the senses.
Ingredients
- Rice
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice - Vegetables & Aromatics
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (for Mushroom Risotto, optional) - Liquids
5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, kept warm
1/2 cup dry white wine - Finishing
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for Parmesan Risotto, or as an add-on to Mushroom Risotto)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- 2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. If making Mushroom Risotto, add the mushrooms and sauté until golden and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until the grains are well-coated and slightly translucent at the edges.
- 4. Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly, and cook until the wine is fully absorbed.
- 5. Add the warm broth one ladleful (about 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18–22 minutes.
- 6. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and the risotto is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Maintain a gentle simmer and stir often to encourage the rice's creamy release of starch. Keep the broth warm to ensure consistent cooking temperature throughout the process. Patience is key—slowly adding broth helps develop the signature velvety texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, easily swap unsalted butter for plant-based butter and Parmesan for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Add mushrooms for earthiness or try a splash of truffle oil to elevate the aroma. Adjust seasoning to suit your preference.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your creamy risotto garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair this dish with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy richness and enhance the dining experience.
Pin it With simple ingredients and attentive technique, this Stove-Top Creamy Risotto delivers a comforting and elegant dish that can brighten any meal. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make risotto a timeless favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of rice is best for this dish?
Arborio rice is preferred due to its high starch content, which creates the creamy texture essential to the dish.
- → Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works well and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly while maintaining rich flavor.
- → How do mushrooms affect the flavor profile?
Mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth that enriches the creamy base, complementing the Parmesan beautifully.
- → What is the purpose of stirring frequently?
Stirring helps release starch from the rice grains, contributing to the risotto’s signature creamy consistency.
- → How can I make a vegan version?
Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for similar creaminess and flavor.