Creamy Parmesan Risotto with Sautéed Onions
Indulge in the rich, velvety texture of this classic Parmesan risotto, a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Perfectly cooked arborio rice absorbs savory chicken broth and a splash of white wine, creating a creamy masterpiece. The sautéed onions add a touch of sweetness, enhancing the dish's flavor profile. Whether served as a main course or a delectable side, this risotto is incredibly versatile and can easily be customized with your favorite seasonal vegetables or proteins. In just three simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that impresses, but is deceptively easy to make. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings a taste of Italian cuisine to your table!
N/A
Servings
158
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons (divided)
Onion
1 small (finely chopped)
Arborio rice
1 cup
White wine
1/2 cup
Chicken broth
900 ml (hot, preferably low sodium)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Then, add the arborio rice, stirring to coat the grains in oil. Cook until the rice is lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
2
2. Pour in the white wine and stir until it is almost fully absorbed by the rice. Gradually incorporate the hot chicken broth, adding one cup at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid almost completely before adding the next cup. Stir often but not constantly to achieve the right texture.
3
3. Cook the mixture for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and cooked through yet still firm to the bite. Remove from heat and incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and pepper. For extra richness, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and garnish with fresh Parmesan shavings before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
21g
Carbs
5.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rice is used in this risotto?
This recipe uses Arborio rice, which is known for its high starch content and ability to create a creamy texture.
How much chicken broth do I need?
The recipe requires 900 ml of hot chicken broth, preferably low sodium.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
The rice takes approximately 20 minutes to cook until it is creamy and firm to the bite.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 158 calories.
What kind of cheese is best for this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used to provide the best flavor and creamy consistency.
How should I prepare the onion?
One small onion should be finely chopped before being sautéed until translucent.
What is the first step in making the risotto?
The first step is to sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil until translucent, then toast the Arborio rice.
How much fat is in a serving of this risotto?
Each serving contains about 5 grams of fat.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Yes, this versatile risotto can be customized with seasonal vegetables or your choice of proteins.
Why should the broth be hot when added to the rice?
Adding hot broth ensures the cooking process is not interrupted and helps the rice release its starch properly.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 21 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
This risotto provides 5.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is it necessary to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice for about 2 minutes helps it develop a nutty flavor and maintain its structure during the long cooking process.
What type of cookware is recommended?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for even heat distribution while cooking the risotto.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for shavings if desired.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, this dish can be served either as a main course or as an elegant side dish.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
A total of 4 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided between the sautéing and the final finish.
What is the best way to incorporate the broth?
Incorporate the broth gradually, adding one cup at a time and allowing it to be absorbed before adding more.
Do I need to stir the risotto constantly?
You should stir often, but not necessarily constantly, to achieve the desired creamy texture.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be incorporated after the pan has been removed from the heat.
What heat level should I use?
The risotto should be cooked over medium heat.
How long do I sauté the onion?
The onion should be sautéed for approximately 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as deceptively easy and involves only three simple steps.
What garnish is suggested for this dish?
The dish can be garnished with fresh Parmesan shavings and a drizzle of olive oil.
What does the white wine add to the dish?
The white wine adds acidity and depth of flavor to the risotto grains.
Can I use red wine instead?
While you can use red wine, it will change the color and flavor profile significantly; white wine is traditional for this version.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Fiber information is not specified for this specific recipe.
What is the purpose of adding extra olive oil at the end?
Drizzling the remaining olive oil at the end adds extra richness and a silky finish to the risotto.