I love Italian food. I mean, what is there not to love, right? Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. comfort food at its best. My favorites are gelato, tiramisu, pizza, everything pasta and of course the king of all rice – the risotto. So sophisticated, yet so simple which is the true magic of the Italian cuisine. the risotto rice (Arborio) gets its velvety texture thanks to the high starch content in it, so it is important not to wash or soak the rice, as to not wash it away.
Yes, cooking risotto will require you to stay by the stove and stir till it’s done, but it will totally be worth your time, so lets get started.
INGRIDIENTS
2 Tbs oil
4 tablespoon butter divided
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 celery stick finely chopped
1/2 large onion finely chopped
2 cups dry or fresh mushrooms
2 cups risotto rice (Arborio) – do not wash or drain the rice.
1 cup dry white wine
1.5 liter beef/vegetable stock
0.5- 1 cup grated parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
If using dry mushrooms, wash well and soak in hot water for 30 minutes (if you want a vegetarian stock, you can use the water that the mushrooms soaked in for your cooking).
Warm stock in a sauce pan and keep it on low heat, so it will stay warm while making the risotto.
Place oil and 2 Tbs of butter in a pot, add thyme and garlic and cook for about 1 minute, till you can smell the garlic and thyme.
Add celery and onions and cook till the onions are translucent.
Add mushrooms and cook for few minutes . Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the rice and mix in another Tbs of butter.
Mix till the rice grains are coated in oil and get slightly translucent.
Add white wine and cook till completely absorbed.
Start adding one ladle of stock at a time and mix occasionally till the fluids absorb in the rice before adding the next ladle.
Keep stirring and adding 1 ladle of warm stock at a time, till the risotto is creamy and the rice grains are not completely soft, but got some bite to them (al dente). It should take about 15-2O min.
stir in parmesan cheese and the last Tbs of butter.
Turn off the heat and cover for 3 min.
Uncover, mix and serve with some added grated parmesan.
Enjoy!
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