Classic Risotto: Mastering The Art of Italian Comfort Food

At Carluccio's, we believe in the simple pleasure of authentic Italian food. And few dishes embody that philosophy quite like a perfectly executed risotto. Often perceived as a daunting culinary challenge, a classic risotto is, in fact, an art form built on patience, good ingredients, and a little love. Today, we're going to demystify the classic risotto with a recipe for a foundational Risotto Bianco, and then explore how Carluccio's can help you create your own masterpiece.

Making Your Own Risotto Bianco

A Risotto Bianco is the pure essence of risotto – a creamy, comforting base that allows the quality of its simple ingredients to shine. It's also the perfect canvas for adding your favorite vegetables, meats, or seafood later.

Here's how to create your own authentic Risotto Bianco from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 litres good quality vegetable or chicken stock, warmed

• 50g unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp quality olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 320g Carnaroli (or Arborio) rice

• 100ml dry white wine

• 50g Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated, plus extra for serving
  

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan or a wide, shallow pan

• Wooden spoon

Method:

1. Prepare your mise en place: This is crucial for risotto. Have your warm stock, chopped onion, rice, wine, and grated cheese all within easy reach.

2. Sauté the aromatics: In your heavy-bottomed pan, melt 30g of butter with the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook gently until it's soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don't let it brown.

3. Toast the rice (Tostatura): Add the Carnaroli or Arborio rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the grains become translucent and they make a faint crackling sound. This step is vital for ensuring the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid beautifully.

4. Deglaze with wine (Sfumatura): Pour in the dry white wine. Stir continuously until the wine has completely evaporated. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a wonderful depth of flavour.

5. Add the stock gradually: Begin adding the warm stock, one ladleful at a time. Stir constantly, allowing each ladleful to be almost fully absorbed by the rice before adding the next. This constant stirring releases the starch from the rice, creating that characteristic creamy texture. This process will take around 18-20 minutes.

6. Maintain consistency: Continue adding stock and stirring. The risotto should be "all'onda" – meaning "wavy" – a flowing consistency, not stiff. The rice grains should be al dente, with a slight bite in the centre.

7. Mantecatura (To finish and emulsify): Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the remaining 20g of cold butter and the 50g of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Stir vigorously for a minute or two. This is the "mantecatura" – the final stirring that makes the risotto incredibly creamy and glossy.

8. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Let the risotto rest for a minute or two off the heat before serving. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmigiano Reggiano.
   
   

Carluccio's: Your Partner in Risotto Perfection

If you're looking to elevate your risotto game or simply enjoy the convenience of authentic Italian ingredients, Carluccio's has you covered. We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest produce, making it easier for you to create incredible meals at home.

Explore our range of risotto-focused products:

• Premium Risotto Rice: We stock high-quality Carnaroli rice, 'the king of rice' and the essential foundation for any classic risotto. This variety is specifically chosen for its ability to absorb liquid and release starch, resulting in that perfect creamy texture.

• Specialty Ingredients: From high-quality olive oils to delicious truffle products and dried porcini mushrooms, we have all the complementary ingredients to transform your basic risotto into something truly extraordinary.

• Risotto kits: We have a range of pre-flavoured risottos to help the less confident and/or tie-poor cooks out there! 

Creating a classic risotto is a wonderfully rewarding culinary experience. It teaches patience and the beauty of simple ingredients. With this recipe and Carluccio's quality products, you're well on your way to mastering this timeless Italian dish.

Check out our recipe for home made risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto) here.