Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat water and broth in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat; add onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add rice and stir until all grains are coated with butter.
- Add wine; stir until absorbed. Increase heat to medium-high; stir in 1 cup water-broth mixture.
- Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until liquid is absorbed.
- Continue stirring and adding remaining water-broth mixture, 1 cup at a time, allowing each cup to be absorbed before adding another.
- Cook until rice is tender and mixture has a creamy consistency, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in cream, cheese, salt, pepper and remaining butter. Stir until mixture is creamy, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
How to Make Creamy Risotto
To make a creamy risotto recipe, you’ll need to start with the correct variety of rice. And, as any home chef knows, not all rice varieties are created equal. For risotto, we use RiceSelect® Arborio Rice, with medium grains that contain more starch. When the rice comes into contact with heat and liquid (such as broth), that starch is released and the grains bump into each other ultimately creating a creamy texture.
In fact, while Classic Italian Risotto does not use any cream, this recipe uses the addition of heavy cream for added richness and flavor along with added creaminess in texture.
This labor of love is quite simple to master once you know how it’s done. To get you there faster, we’ve put together a few tips for you to implement when preparing your next risotto recipe!
Toast the rice grains in butter. For richer flavor, toast the arborio rice grains in melted butter with sautéed onion before infusing with dry white wine.
Add in warm stock or broth. Using cold or even room-temperature broth will bring down the overall temperature of your dish for uneven cooking that might result in a mushier texture. Make sure to heat your broth before adding it.
Stir often. If you stir too often it may make your dish gluey, so it’s best to stir often to avoid sticking and make sure that the grains release their starch and bump into each other.
Cook the rice to al dente. Make sure to cook your rice to al dente, with a slightly chewy bite to avoid a mushy texture.
Other Creamy Risotto Recipes
Inspired by the delectable creamy texture of this dish? Try your hand at a creamed corn version of risotto with this Sweet Corn, Mascarpone and Parmesan Risotto recipe created by our foodie friend Lindsey from Lindsey Eats. Or, try a Coconut Curry Risotto served with baked salmon for something creamy, savory and a touch sweet. Just make sure that you've got the key ingredient to your Risotto with Arborio.
Other Rice Inspiration
For another Mediterranean flavored dish, check out one of our Orzo Salad Recipes or a Pearl Couscous recipe.
Our shrimp and rice bowl is another perfect dinner idea!
