Creamy Lemon Parmesan Risotto
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delightful Lemon Parmesan Risotto. A savory blend of zesty lemon, creamy arborio rice, and flavorful parmesan cheese creates an unforgettable dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The lemon's brightness cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter, resulting in a balanced and delectable meal that everyone will adore.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (diced)
butter
4 tablespoons (none)
lemon
1 (zest and juice)
arborio rice
1 cup (none)
chicken broth
2 cups (none)
water
2 cups (none)
grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (none)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
additional parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the lemon zest, releasing its fragrant oils as you incorporate it into the onion mixture.
3
Add the arborio rice to the skillet, stirring well to ensure every grain is coated in the buttery mixture.
4
Adjust the heat to low-medium and pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Allow the liquid to simmer gently, reducing and thickening as it gets absorbed.
5
Continue adding the chicken broth in 1/2 cup increments, stirring frequently to allow the rice to release its creamy starches. Once all the broth has been absorbed, begin adding water in the same 1/2 cup increments. If necessary, add additional water until the rice is tender but still al dente.
6
Remove the risotto from the heat and gently fold in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season the risotto with salt, pepper, and any remaining lemon juice to your taste preference.
7
Serve the creamy lemon parmesan risotto hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Parmesan Risotto?
It is a rich, savory dish made with arborio rice, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese, known for its balanced brightness and creamy texture.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Arborio rice is the preferred choice because its high starch content creates the signature creamy consistency of risotto.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the first step in making the risotto?
The first step is to melt butter in a large skillet and cook diced onions until they are softened and translucent.
How long should the onions be cooked?
The onions should be cooked over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes.
When do I add the lemon zest?
Stir in the lemon zest after the onions have softened to release its fragrant oils.
Why is the rice stirred into the buttery onion mixture before adding liquid?
The rice is stirred in to ensure every grain is thoroughly coated in the butter, which helps with the toasting process.
What is the recommended heat setting for simmering the liquid?
The heat should be adjusted to low-medium once you begin adding the broth.
How much liquid should be added at one time?
The chicken broth and water should be added in 1/2 cup increments.
Why must the broth be added in increments?
Adding liquid slowly and stirring frequently allows the rice to release its starches, resulting in a creamy texture.
What should I do if the rice is still hard after using all the broth?
If the rice is not yet al dente, continue adding water in 1/2 cup increments until it reaches the desired tenderness.
What does al dente mean in this recipe?
Al dente means the rice is tender but still has a slight firmness or bite to it.
When should I add the parmesan cheese?
The grated parmesan cheese should be folded in after the risotto is removed from the heat.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth to make the recipe fully vegetarian.
What herb is used for garnishing?
Freshly chopped parsley is used to garnish and add flavor to the dish.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of butter.
How much parmesan cheese is used in the main mixture?
You will need 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the risotto itself.
Is it okay to add more lemon juice at the end?
Yes, you can season the final dish with extra lemon juice to suit your taste preference.
What kind of onion is best for this risotto?
A medium-sized onion, diced finely, is recommended.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon is preferred because you also need the zest, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
How much arborio rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of arborio rice.
What total volume of liquid is typically used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water, totaling 4 cups of liquid.
What is the role of lemon in this dish?
The lemon provides a brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter for a balanced flavor.
How should the risotto be served?
It should be served hot, ideally garnished with additional grated parmesan.
Is salt and pepper added?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper are added at the end to taste.
Can I add extra parmesan as a topping?
Absolutely, additional parmesan can be added to taste as a garnish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is this a good dish for special occasions?
Yes, its indulgent and flavorful profile makes it perfect for both family dinners and special events.
Does the recipe contain any fiber information?
The provided nutritional data currently lists fiber as null.
What makes the risotto creamy if no cream is added?
The creaminess comes from the starches released by the arborio rice during the slow, incremental addition of liquid and frequent stirring.