What is Risotto? How is it done?

by Abbas Jahangir · June 27, 2021

First Hot Before Main Meal: Risotto

The most common use of rice in Italy is in the form of Risotto. Although it is a meal served in gourmet restaurants, it is possible to easily make Risotto at home after providing the necessary ingredients. You can find Risotto varieties in Italian cuisine, which makes the rice pilaf, which is enjoyed with different dishes, become a meal in itself. Thanks to Risotto, which is an ideal experience for those looking for an alternative taste, you can discover what to make using rice.

What is Risotto?

Risotto, one of the most popular dishes of Italian cuisine, is a classic dish made using rice.
When the pilaf is made correctly and compatible materials are used, a meal is created that will add color and alternatives to the tables.
A unique type of rice is used when making risotto. Frequently preferred wine and cheese flavors also add a different flavor to the pilaf.
Risotto is considered as the main dish in Italian cuisine, although rice pilaf is usually served alongside other dishes in Turkish cuisine.
Risotto is Italian rice made with a special rice. Risotto, which is a very popular type of Italian food; Although it has similar characteristics with rice in Turkish dishes, it is a dish with very different qualities.
Those who eat this dish for the first time may think that the rice is mush.
However, the most basic feature of risotto is that it is mushy and thick. In addition, more than one ingredient is used while preparing this dish.

How is Risotto Rice?

Risotto rice should be used to make the delicious dish. This product, called arborio rice, is a little different from classic rice.
The product, which has a round and short grain structure, also draws attention with its larger size. Rice, which is very rich in starch, is one of the ingredients that add flavor to the dish.
Arborio rice can be purchased at luxury grocery stores and gourmet food shops. In addition, it is possible to find the product on the websites of these markets.
Care should be taken not to keep Arborio rice, which keeps its freshness for two years, in humid and hot places.
Known for its cream-like light consistency, rice forms the main ingredient of Risotto. The rice that softens quickly, however, manages to maintain its freshness after cooking.
It is also used in various desserts as it contains a high percentage of starch.
When thinking of the main Risotto rice varieties, Carnaroli and Arborio rice come to mind.
It is not possible to make Risotto with unbroken rice. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to choose the right rice types.
If you want to prepare risotto at home; You can evaluate the broken rice. Risottos made with cracked rice will always be thicker.

How to Make Risotto Risotto Making Tricks

Risotto making takes place in a short time if the right steps are followed and a good result is obtained. Here are the tricks of making risotto:

Arborio rice is the most important among the risotto ingredients. Other materials are selected according to the type to be made.
The most important point to be considered during the preparation of the dish is to ensure that the rice has the right consistency.
It is also important that the water mixes with the rice in the right ratio while making risotto. As a result of the combination of the starch released by the rice with the added water, a cream-like taste is obtained. It is important to mix the rice and water well and mix it slowly. In addition, this process should be done for a certain period of time, around 20-25 minutes.
It is important that the rice has a slightly hard consistency, which is called al dente.
Tariff parmesan or shrimp if preferred such as seafood adding a richer taste. The use of butter is one of the elements that add flavor to the rice.
It is important to use meat or chicken stock when making risotto. These ingredients must be added in order for the pilaf to have a creamy consistency.
Parmesan, which has an important place in Italian cuisine and is used frequently, should be preferred as risotto cheese.
Parmesan cheese is easily available in large supermarkets and shops that focus on gourmet food.
Before preparing the recipe, “Where is the risotto cheese sold?” This is how the question is answered.

What are the Risotto Types?

Risotto, which is one of the leading alternative Italian tastes and served as a pre-dinner or main course in many restaurants, has different and delicious varieties.

Vegetable and saffron varieties are often preferred and made. You can also try the mushroom and chicken types. These ingredients also match extremely well with the creamy taste of Risotto.
You can add variety and color to your table with Risotto recipes that you will make by going beyond the classical recipes. Made by adding pear and labneh cheese
Even if you don’t consume much rice pilaf, risotto will definitely attract your attention.
Pumpkin Risotto, which is an ideal recipe for the Halloween period, is also a good and unusual choice with its cute and interesting look and delicious taste.
You should definitely try different types of vegetables such as lemon, pepper, asparagus, beetroot while making Risotto.
For an unusual Risotto, recipes blended with shrimp and seafood can be preferred.
When cooking risotto, do not forget that this dish consists of many ingredients. Every ingredient added gives flavor to this pilaf. Meat and meat products, seafood or various herbs are one of the flavor secrets of risotto.
If you add turmeric before brewing while the risotto is cooking, you will prepare a colorful and stomach-friendly dish.

Where to Eat Risotto

It is an ideal choice for risotto to be eaten in a good Italian restaurant for its quality taste.
In addition, if the cooking methods are applied correctly and good materials are used, a successful result is obtained in the home environment. There are even those who think that making Risotto at home is a good option.
There are many places to taste risotto. You can taste the best examples of Risotto in some places.
The venue named Galliard in Etiler can be easily preferred in this area. Eating Risotto with a view of the Bosphorus in Istanbul should also be enjoyed.
Mia Mensa is one of the leading places in its field with its attractive presentations and superior tastes.
If you are thinking of going on a trip to Italy, it is a must to eat Risotto. You can find delicious risotto varieties at Osteria in Florence.
Here you can taste a hearty and nutritious rice prepared with seafood. You can also enjoy an exquisite and delicious-looking table by ordering red wine with it.
If you prefer vegetable and meat varieties while eating Risotto in Italy, you will see delicious flavors. In Italy, Risotto is often ordered as the first hot plate before the main course. In Milan, you can choose the Risotto recipe prepared with seafood.
Wild Mushroom Risotto can also be a different option. Moreover, you can find this flavor not only in Italy but also in restaurants in our country.
You can also try making wild mushrooms at home. As long as you get the right ratio, you can get a good result. Of course, you should definitely consider adding additional flavors and wines to the table.
If you like the consistency and taste of risotto; You can consume it in many meals at home. You can cook risotto and add it to the plate for variety with meat dishes.
If you want to have a one-course meal, you can make a satisfying meal with risotto that you will prepare according to your taste.