Creamy Gorgonzola Risotto with Crunchy Toasted Walnuts
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Creamy Gorgonzola Risotto with Crunchy Toasted Walnuts. This one-dish meal combines creamy Arborio rice simmered to perfection in savory chicken broth, enriched with the bold, tangy taste of Gorgonzola cheese. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal, and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
5 cups
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 small (minced)
arborio rice
1 1/2 cups
dry white wine
1/2 cup
gorgonzola cheese
4 ounces (diced)
toasted walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
mascarpone cheese or heavy cream
1/4 cup
salt
(to taste)
white pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat, keeping it warm throughout the cooking process.
2
In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the Arborio rice, cooking for an additional minute to lightly toast the grains and enhance their nutty flavor.
4
Pour in the dry white wine, stirring continuously until it has mostly evaporated and is absorbed by the rice.
5
Begin adding the warm chicken broth one cup at a time, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, which should take about 20-25 minutes until the rice is al dente and creamy.
6
Once you’ve incorporated all the broth, remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the diced Gorgonzola cheese, Parmesan, mascarpone (or heavy cream), and toasted walnuts. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the risotto is creamy.
7
Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Gorgonzola Risotto?
This dish features a luxurious, creamy texture with the bold, tangy taste of Gorgonzola cheese, balanced by the nuttiness of toasted walnuts.
What type of rice is required for this recipe?
Arborio rice is used for this recipe because its high starch content creates the signature creamy texture of a classic risotto.
How many calories are in a serving of this risotto?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving of Creamy Gorgonzola Risotto.
Can I substitute the chicken broth for a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What kind of wine should I use for cooking the rice?
A dry white wine is recommended to add acidity and depth of flavor without making the dish too sweet.
How do I know when the risotto is finished cooking?
The risotto is ready when the rice is al dente—firm to the bite but not crunchy—and the consistency is creamy and thick.
Why must the chicken broth be kept warm while cooking?
Keeping the broth at a gentle simmer ensures that the temperature of the rice doesn't drop when liquid is added, allowing for even cooking and starch release.
What can I use if I don't have mascarpone cheese?
You can use heavy cream as a direct substitute for mascarpone to achieve a similar level of creaminess.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 11 ingredients: chicken broth, butter, onion, arborio rice, dry white wine, gorgonzola, walnuts, parmesan, mascarpone, salt, and white pepper.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 18.75g of fat.
How should I prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be toasted and then chopped to provide a crunchy texture and enhanced flavor profile.
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
While you can use red wine, it will significantly change the color and flavor of the dish; white wine is traditional for keeping the risotto bright and tangy.
What is the purpose of toasting the rice before adding liquid?
Toasting the Arborio rice for about a minute helps to seal the surface of the grains and enhances their natural nutty flavor.
How long does the entire cooking process take?
The rice takes about 20-25 minutes to absorb the broth, plus about 5-10 minutes for preparation and sautéing the onions.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, this risotto is a complete and filling one-dish meal, though it can also be served with a side salad.
What kind of onion is best for this risotto?
A small minced onion is used; yellow or white onions work best for their mild sweetness when sautéed.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 10g of protein per serving.
Should I wash the Arborio rice before cooking?
No, you should not wash the rice. The surface starch is essential for creating the creamy sauce that defines a good risotto.
Can I use blue cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Yes, Gorgonzola is a type of blue cheese; you can substitute it with other blue cheeses, though the flavor intensity may vary.
How much Gorgonzola is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of diced Gorgonzola cheese.
What is the best way to serve this risotto?
Serve it immediately while hot, garnished with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
What type of cookware is recommended?
A large heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan is ideal for even heat distribution while stirring the rice.
How much carbohydrate content is in a serving?
There are 32.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I omit the wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the wine with a splash of extra broth and a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.
What is the role of Parmesan in this recipe?
Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth and helps thicken the sauce when stirred in at the end.
Why use white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper is often used in light-colored dishes like risotto to provide heat without leaving visible black specks.
How do I incorporate the cheese?
The Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and mascarpone should be gently folded into the rice once it is removed from the heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Risotto is best served immediately as it can become thick and lose its creamy texture if it sits or is reheated.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small onion, finely minced.
Is this dish suitable for a formal dinner?
Yes, the combination of Gorgonzola and toasted walnuts makes it an elegant and impressive dish for guests.