Description
A silky, fragrant risotto where creamy Parmesan meets bright lemon and fresh herbs. This dish is rich yet refreshing, making it a perfect vegetarian main or elegant side for fish, poultry, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice (or other risotto rice like Carnaroli)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot (or 1/2 small onion), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped soft fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, thyme, or dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the broth until hot but not boiling. In a separate large pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat each grain. If using wine, add it now and cook, stirring, until mostly absorbed.
- Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue this process for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and creamy.
- Once the risotto is nearly done, stir in lemon zest and a tablespoon or two of lemon juice. Remove from heat. Add Parmesan cheese and a little extra butter if desired. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the fresh herbs and season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor—add gradually and taste to avoid bitterness.
- Use quality broth as it forms the flavor backbone of risotto.
- Stirring releases starch, creating risotto’s signature creamy texture without needing cream.
- Serve immediately for best texture; risotto can thicken quickly as it sits.
- Use a mix of herbs like parsley and chives for layered flavor and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
