Basic Risotto
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and finelydiced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pick through the rice to remove any stones or foreign matter, but do not wash the rice before cooking.
- Using a large skillet with a heavy bottom, heat the olive oil over low heat and saute or "sweat" the onions until translucent, being careful not to allow them to color or brown at all.
- Add the arborio rice, stir to coat with the olive oil, and saute with the onions to toast each grain of rice, about 7 minutes.
- This toasting process adds the chewy, al dente quality that attracts so many people to risotto.
- Once the rice is lightly toasted, add the white wine slowly, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- (A wooden spoon is always preferable when making risotto, as a metal spoon tends to cut or injure the grains of rice.
- Constant stirring should be avoided for the same reason.)
- Preheat the chicken stock just to the boiling point, then have it ready at stoveside.
- After the rice has absorbed the white wine and the skillet is nearly dry, add one cup of chicken stock, stirring
- occasionally, and cook over very low heat until the stock is absorbed by the rice.
- Continue adding the stock, a cupful at a time, until all the stock has been absorbed.
- (Adding the liquid in stages, instead of all at once, allows the grains of rice to expand more fully, adding to the risotto's creamy texture.)
- Once the rice has been added to the pan, the entire cooking process will take about 17 to 20 minutes.
- After all of the liquid has been added, and the rice is chewy yet fully cooked, with a creamy texture; add the butter, Parmesan cheese, and the heavy cream.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients and serve immediately.
arborio rice, olive oil, onion, white wine, chicken stock, unsalted butter, freshly grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/basic-risotto-recipe.html (may not work)