Risotto Recipes and Inspirations
Diane Zatz is a design educator who grows vegetables and cooks obsessively when not clicking on a computer keyboard.
Risotto is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, distinguished by its creamy consistency and the ability to merge simplicity with elegance. At its heart, risotto celebrates the humble rice grain, which blossoms into a dish of remarkable texture and richness when cooked slowly with broth.
The Historical Canvas of Risotto
The history of risotto is deeply intertwined with the agricultural practices of Northern Italy, particularly in the Po Valley, where rice cultivation has flourished since the Middle Ages. The introduction of rice into Italy is attributed to the Arabs during the Middle Ages, and it took a firm hold in the Italian diet by the 16th century, particularly among the wealthy and noble classes. In Milan, the combination of local rice and saffron, an exotic spice used medicinally at the time, led to the creation of the iconic Risotto alla Milanese.
The Science Behind the Grain
The traditional risotto preparation uses specific types of rice capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid without becoming mushy. Arborio, Carnaroli, and Vialone Nano are the most cherished varieties, each with characteristics contributing to the final dish’s texture. Arborio is the most widely available, known for its large, starchy grains that create a creamy risotto. Carnaroli, often called the ‘king of rice,’ offers a higher starch content and firmer texture, making it less likely to overcook. Vialone Nano, preferred in the Veneto region, absorbs flavors exceptionally well and maintains a good ‘bite’ after cooking.
The essence of a great risotto lies in its method—traditionally cooking the rice slowly, adding broth gradually, allowing it to absorb the liquid and release its starches. This technique results in a dish that’s both creamy and al dente. It serves as a blank culinary canvas that welcomes various ingredients, reflecting the seasons and the chef’s creativity. For those who have discovered the joy of cooking risotto in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, the process is greatly simplified, and the results are equally satisfying.
Community Creations and Modern Adaptations
Contributors to The CooksCook Community Forum have enhanced the traditional risotto blueprint with their inventive twists, reflecting both regional tastes and personal creativity.
Luxurious saffron-infused risotto and vibrant beetroot versions are just the beginning. Unique entries like Mushroom Risotto with Flowering Hyssop Thyme and innovative combinations like Boursin cheese with seafood illustrate the dish’s broad palette.
The shared recipes from our community are laden with personal anecdotes, transforming each dish into a narrative of family gatherings, festive celebrations, and culinary discoveries. These stories encourage cooks of all skill levels to engage with risotto, adapting and personalizing it to their tastes and available ingredients.
Embracing Risotto in Contemporary Kitchens
The beauty of risotto lies in its simplicity and the invitation to innovate. Whether you are looking for comfort food or an elegant entree, risotto adapts to fit the occasion. It’s a dish that rewards patience and creativity, making it a favorite for everyday meals and special occasions.
As risotto continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the creativity inherent in Italian cooking. This dish is as diverse as the regions of Italy and as rich as the stories behind each recipe.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Denise Landis is the founder & CEO of The Cook's Cook.
This recipe for Butternut Squash Risotto is adapted from Chef Jamie Oliver, who makes it with a variety of winter squashes, including hubbard and kabocha. I like the color and sweetness of butternut squash. This recipe makes a generous quantity for a first course for eight. If you have leftovers, you may wish to shape the cooled butternut squash risotto into small cakes that can be dusted with flour and fried in vegetable or olive oil.
Ingredients
For the squash:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 296 ml (1 1/4 cups) finely diced fresh butternut squash
- 118 ml (1/2 cup) finely chopped onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground white pepper
- Salt
- 177 ml (3/4 cup) medium-dry California Riesling
For the risotto:
- 1.6 liters (7 cups) chicken stock or low-sodium canned chicken broth
- 71 grams (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 440 grams (1 1/2 cups) arborio rice
- 118 ml (1/2 cup) finely chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
To garnish:
- 118 ml (1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
- For the squash: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the squash, onion, nutmeg, white pepper, and salt to taste. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the squash is almost tender, about 7 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Using a food processor or blender, puree until smooth. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate.
2. For the risotto: Remove the squash puree from the refrigerator and set aside at room temperature. Place the stock in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low, just to keep the stock hot. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 1/2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the rice and onion, and stir well until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Immediately add about 355 ml (1 1/2 cups) hot stock or just enough to cover the rice. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding a cup of stock about every 3 minutes.
3. After ten minutes, add the squash puree and stir well. Simmer another 9 minutes, continuing to add stock every few minutes until all the stock has been used. Add the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons butter and the parsley. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter has been completely absorbed, about 3 minutes. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon equal portions of risotto on 8 warm plates. Sprinkle each serving with cheese and serve immediately.
Diane Zatz
Diane Zatz is a graphic designer, educator, and editor at The Cook’s Cook. Diane and her husband divide their time between Philadelphia and their family farm in Lancaster County, Pa. They enjoy their off-screen time planting seeds and pulling weeds.
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