Risotto is a classic Italian rice dish that is creamy, rich, and utterly delicious. The best risottos have rice that is perfectly cooked – with a delicious al dente bite. Risotto takes a little time and care to make, but the results are so worth it. With the right know-how, you can easily make restaurant-quality risotto at home.
In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know to choose and make the best risotto. You’ll learn how to pick the right type of rice, what ingredients to use for flavoring, and tips for achieving the ideal texture. We’ll also give recommendations for some of our favorite risottos to try.
Follow along for a complete guide to buying and cooking sensational risotto! This post will empower you to make this Italian classic with confidence. So get your favorite risotto rice ready, let’s get cooking!
Delicious Mushroom Risotto
This Alessi porcini mushroom risotto is absolutely delicious! The arborio rice has a wonderful creamy texture and the mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor that is out of this world. This ready-to-eat risotto is so easy to make, you just add water and simmer for 20 minutes. No tedious stirring required!
The packaging is very convenient, with 6 individual pouches that are perfect for quick weeknight meals. You can keep a few pouches handy in the pantry for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. Just throw in some veggies or shredded chicken and you have a complete, satisfying meal in minutes.
Alessi uses quality ingredients like Italian arborio rice, porcini mushrooms, and chicken broth to create an authentic risotto experience. The flavors are well-balanced, with just the right amount of saltiness from the chicken broth. Unlike some instant risottos, this one doesn’t taste overly processed or bland.
If you’re looking for a shortcut to homemade tasting risotto, give this Alessi porcini mushroom risotto a try. The convenience factor is off the charts but it still delivers on rich, delicious flavor. This will become your new favorite semi-homemade weeknight dinner!
Delicious Risotto Variety Pack
This Alessi risotto variety pack is a great way to sample different flavors of their premium, ready-to-eat risottos. The pack includes individual pouches of 4 of their most popular flavors: Milanese with saffron, porcini mushroom, sun-dried tomato, and cheese & broccolini.
Having all these different flavors in one pack is perfect for adding variety to weeknight dinners. The individual pouches make it easy to whip up just what you’re craving that night. Are you in the mood for creamy cheese and broccolini or earthy porcini mushroom? This pack lets you decide on the fly.
Like all Alessi risottos, these cook up creamy and delicious in just 20 minutes. No standing over the stove stirring required! The flavors are authentic and well-balanced. You can really taste the quality ingredients like arborio rice, saffron, porcini mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.
If you love risotto but don’t always have time to make it from scratch, definitely give this Alessi variety pack a try. It makes enjoying traditional Italian risotto simple on busy weeknights. You may never go back to completely homemade risotto again!
Quality Arborio Rice for Risotto
If you love whipping up homemade risotto, this RiceSelect arborio rice is a must-have pantry staple. Unlike regular long grain white rice, arborio rice has a higher starch content that gives risotto its signature creamy texture. This RiceSelect arborio is the perfect choice for making restaurant-quality risotto at home.
The rice grains are beautiful, with a pearly white dot at the center that is characteristic of high quality arborio. The rice cooks up with the perfect al dente bite and readily absorbs the rich flavors of your risotto sauce. The result is a creamy, chewy risotto that is never mushy or sticky.
RiceSelect arborio is grown using sustainable, eco-positive farming methods which is a big plus. The 32 oz jar ensures you’ll always have enough arborio rice on hand to satisfy risotto cravings. The price is very reasonable too, much less expensive than buying tiny boxes of arborio rice from the grocery store spice aisle.
For flavorful, foolproof homemade risotto, you can’t go wrong with this RiceSelect arborio rice. The exceptionally high quality shows in the final dish. This is restaurant-worthy risotto you can feel good about making at home.
Organic Creamy Parmesan Risotto
This organic parmesan risotto from Lundberg Family Farms is crazy delicious! It delivers rich, nuanced Parmesan flavor in every creamy, chewy bite. Unlike some instant risottos, you can really taste the quality here.
Lundberg uses organic arborio rice and top-notch ingredients like Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic and parsley to create an authentic risotto experience. The preparation couldn’t be easier – just sauté for a minute, then simmer for 20 minutes. No tedious stirring required.
In 20 minutes you can enjoy restaurant-quality, organic Parmesan risotto right in your own kitchen. Lundberg’s commitment to organic, eco-friendly farming makes this a feel-good risotto too. The recyclable packaging is another plus.
If you’re looking for an organic, gourmet-tasting risotto that’s fuss-free to prepare, give this Lundberg Parmesan risotto a try. The exceptional flavor and convenience will make it a new favorite weeknight meal. It’s risotto bliss in 20 minutes!
Tasty Black Pepper and Cheese Risotto
This Alessi black pepper and cheese risotto delivers bold, addicting flavor in every bite. You get a double hit of cheese – both Parmesan and Romano – plus a nice punch of black pepper. The combination is out of this world delicious.
Like all Alessi risottos, this cooks up nice and creamy with just the right al dente bite. The preparation is super easy – just add water and simmer for 20 minutes. No tedious stirring needed. In 20 minutes you can be enjoying this restaurant-quality risotto in the comfort of your home.
Alessi uses quality ingredients like arborio rice, Italian cheeses and fresh ground black pepper to craft an authentic risotto experience. The rich, nuanced flavors shine through in the finished dish.
If you love cheese and black pepper, give this Alessi risotto a try. The bold flavors and easy preparation make it perfect for busy weeknights. One taste and you’ll be hooked!
Creamy and Delicious Parmesan Risotto
This parmesan risotto from Lundberg Family Farms is absolutely delicious! It has a rich, creamy texture and deep nuanced Parmesan flavor in every bite. Unlike some instant risottos, you can really taste the quality ingredients like aged Parmesan, onion, garlic and parsley.
Making this risotto couldn’t be easier – just sauté for a minute, then let it simmer for 20 minutes. No tedious stirring required! In just 20 minutes you can be enjoying restaurant-quality, organic Parmesan risotto at home.
Lundberg’s commitment to organic, eco-friendly farming makes this a feel-good risotto too. The recyclable packaging is another plus. If you love risotto but don’t always have time to make it from scratch, definitely give this organic, gourmet-tasting Lundberg Parmesan risotto a try. The exceptional flavor and convenience will make it a new favorite!
Delicious Cheese and Broccolini Risotto
This Alessi cheese and broccolini risotto is absolutely delicious. It has a rich, creamy cheese flavor balanced by the subtle sweetness of broccolini. In just 18 quick minutes, you can be enjoying gourmet Italian risotto.
Alessi uses quality ingredients like arborio rice, Parmesan, broccolini and chicken broth to craft an authentic risotto experience. The flavors are well-balanced, never too salty or overpowering. It’s the perfect quick weeknight meal – just add protein like chicken or shrimp.
If you love risotto but don’t have time to slave over the stove, give Alessi cheese and broccolini risotto a try. The convenience and restaurant-quality flavor will make it a pantry staple. This is risotto bliss in just 18 minutes!
Organic Four Cheese Risotto
This organic four cheese risotto from Sophia is cheesy risotto heaven! It has a rich, creamy texture with a delicious blend of organic cheeses like Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone and Romano. In just 20 minutes, you can be enjoying gourmet risotto with an authentic Italian flavor.
Unlike some instant risottos, you can really taste the quality of the organic ingredients. Sophia uses organic arborio rice and real cheeses for incredible flavor in every bite. It’s also certified organic and vegan, making it a feel-good risotto option.
For incredible flavor with organic ingredients, give this Sophia four cheese risotto a try. The convenience and authentic Italian cheese flavor make it perfect for busy weeknights. Mangia!
Authentic Italian Carnaroli Rice
If you love preparing homemade risotto, this Carnaroli rice from Alma Gourmet is a must-try. Carnaroli is a premium Italian rice known for its excellent texture and flavor. The grains are wider than arborio and have a beautiful pearly white appearance.
Carnaroli rice cooks up with the perfect al dente bite and creamy texture ideal for risotto. Since it has a lower starch content, your risotto will have a pleasant firmness without becoming mushy. The result is restaurant-quality risotto with rich, authentic flavor.
For the ultimate Italian risotto experience, give this authentic Carnaroli rice a try. The premium quality is evident in the exceptional texture and taste. This is the rice risotto aficionados rave about for good reason!
Quality Arborio Rice for Risotto
If you love whipping up homemade risotto, this arborio rice from RiceSelect is a must-have pantry staple. Arborio rice has a higher starch content that gives risotto its signature creamy yet chewy texture. This rice cooks up beautifully, absorbing flavors readily without getting mushy.
The grains have the classic white dot at the center and a beautiful pearly appearance. The 32 oz jar ensures you’ll always have enough arborio rice on hand to satisfy risotto cravings. For quality and value, RiceSelect organic arborio rice is hard to beat.
For creamy, foolproof homemade risotto, you can’t go wrong with RiceSelect arborio rice. The exceptionally high quality is evident in the final dish. This is restaurant-worthy risotto you can feel good about making at home!
Risotto Buying Guide
Making excellent risotto starts with choosing the right type of rice. Here’s what you need to know:
Choose the Right Rice Variety
The best rice varieties for risotto are short-grain Italian rice types that are high in starch. This allows the rice to release its starch and create a luscious creamy sauce as it cooks.
Look for rice labeled as “Arborio”, “Carnaroli”, or “Vialone Nano”. Arborio is the most common type used for risotto. Carnaroli rice is a little firmer, and Vialone Nano is less common but also works well.
Buy Rice from Italy for Authentic Flavor
To get authentic Italian flavor in your risotto, look for rice that is imported from Italy. The terroir and growing conditions there give the rice a unique taste profile perfect for risotto.
Rice from Italy will say “Product of Italy” on the package. You can find imported Italian rice at specialty grocery stores or online.
Check the Harvest Date
For the best quality rice, look at the harvest date on the package. Fresher rice makes better risotto – so try to find bags harvested from the most recent crop year.
Old or stale rice won’t absorb liquid or cook properly. It could ruin your whole pot of risotto!
Buy Pre-Washed Rice to Save Time
Many brands sell “pre-washed” risotto rice that has already been rinsed. This saves you a step when cooking!
Look for the words “pre-washed” or “pronto” on the package. Using this rice cuts down on the hands-on time required.
Purchase the Right Amount
Risotto rice expands a lot as it cooks and absorbs liquid. Just 1 cup of uncooked Arborio rice makes around 3 cups of risotto.
Buy according to how many servings you need. A standard portion is around 3/4 cup cooked risotto.
FAQ
Still have some questions about buying and making risotto? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does risotto rice need to be soaked before cooking?
No, risotto rice does not need to be soaked. The rice will absorb all the liquid it needs as it cooks and stirs in the pot. Soaking beforehand is not necessary.
Can I use white or brown rice instead of risotto rice?
It’s best to use proper risotto rice varieties. The high starch Arborio, Carnaroli, and Vialone Nano rice varieties give risotto the right creaminess. Regular long-grain rice won’t work as well.
How much liquid do I need for cooking risotto?
Use around 4 to 5 cups of broth per cup of rice. The exact amount can vary based on how the rice absorbs it. Start with 4 cups then add more as needed.
Should I rinse risotto rice before cooking?
It’s recommended to briefly rinse risotto rice first. This removes excess starch for better texture. But if using pre-washed rice, rinsing is not necessary.
Can I freeze and reheat risotto?
Yes, you can freeze cooked risotto. Portion it into airtight containers, then thaw and reheat gently when ready to eat. Add a bit more broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Conclusion
That covers everything you need to know to find and buy the perfect risotto rice! With the right Italian rice variety, imported from Italy, you’ll be ready to make Michelin-star level risotto in your own kitchen.
Remember to choose short-grain rices like Arborio, Carnaroli or Vialone Nano for the right texture. Look for Italian-grown rice in pre-washed versions for convenience. Follow the package instructions for water amounts.
The time and care put into risotto is well rewarded with an incredible bowl of creamy, delicious rice. With the tips from this buying guide, you’ll be able to highlight risotto on your menu confidently.
Now grab your favorite risotto rice and start cooking! Let us know how your homemade risotto creations turn out. We hope this guide gave you the knowledge to buy and make the best-tasting risotto yet. Enjoy!
Resources
- Instacart’s Guide to Groceries: Risotto – All You Need to Know – This guide provides an overview of risotto, including its history, ingredients, and cooking techniques. It also includes several recipes to try.
- Ahead of Thyme: Creamy Parmesan (No Wine) Risotto – This recipe for creamy Parmesan risotto is quick and easy to make, and doesn’t require wine. The post includes step-by-step instructions and photos to guide you through the process.
- Fed & Fit: No-Stir Mushroom Risotto – This recipe for no-stir mushroom risotto is perfect for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time stirring their risotto. It includes tips for making the perfect risotto, as well as step-by-step instructions and photos.
- Kitchen Divas: Risotto Pasta – This recipe for risotto pasta combines the best of both worlds: the creaminess of risotto and the texture of pasta. It’s a great side dish for almost any meal.
- Unpeeled Journal: Mushroom Risotto Recipe: Easy + Creamy – This recipe for mushroom risotto is easy to make and features lots of mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. The post includes tips for making the perfect risotto, as well as wine pairings to try.