Though it may seem complicated, cooking risotto is almost as easy as enjoying it. While some cooking techniques require plenty of trial and error to get right, risotto is not that kind of dish. That being said, there are a few pointers to remember when cooking the decadent rice in your apartment. Here’s a simple, 7-step method that will result in restaurant-quality risotto every time.
Step 1: Choose the right rice and don’t rinse it.
For the great risotto, use arborio, which has a starchy casing that produces extra creaminess when cooking. Don’t rinse the rice beforehand, since doing so will result in a less creamy result.
Step 2: Toast your grains.
Risotto recipes usually call for cooking onions in butter or oil, toasting the rice in the mix, and adding the stock. Instead of toasting the rice for a minute or two, toast for three or four minutes to build flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze with wine.
Never skip this step in a risotto recipe! In fact, even recipes that don’t call for vino could benefit from white wine. Try adding a quarter cup for every cup of rice.
Step 4: Don't let your stock boil.
A steady simmer is all you need for your stock. Allow it to simmer before adding the rice. Get the stock too hot, and it will evaporate too quickly, taking all the flavor with it.
Step 5: Just keep stirring.
The more you stir, the creamier your risotto – so, even if your recipe calls for minimal stirring, keep it going! Yes, it’s time-consuming, but this is the tried-and-true way to cook risotto at home.
Step 6: Once it’s done, cook for a hair longer.
Before cutting the heat to your risotto, cook it for just a shade longer. This will make sure that your risotto’s extra liquid is soaked into the dish before serving.
Step 7: Add the right finishing.
Add extra flavor with pureed vegetables (like asparagus), a pat of butter or dousing of olive oil, and/or aged cheese. Then, your risotto is ready to enjoy. Shake up your household menu – and put your fully equipped kitchen to use – with this easy-to-follow recipe, courtesy of Brookstone Park Apartments in Covington, Louisiana.