Description
Alton Brown’s risotto delivers creamy Italian comfort with precision and passion. Rich arborio rice, slow-stirred with white wine and fragrant broth, creates a luxurious canvas you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 cups wild mushrooms, coarsely chopped
- 1 ½ cups asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Dairy and Cheese:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of butter in a medium sauté pan over medium heat.
- Gently cook asparagus, mushrooms, and a pinch of salt for 7-10 minutes until vegetables are tender and mushroom liquid has completely evaporated. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.
- Maintain chicken stock at a gentle simmer in a separate medium saucepan.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce arborio rice to the onion mixture, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula for 2-3 minutes until rice grains turn slightly opaque. Pour in white wine and stir until liquid is completely absorbed.
- Gradually add warm chicken stock, covering the rice surface. Stir consistently, allowing each addition to be fully absorbed before adding more. Repeat this process for 30-35 minutes.
- When rice is nearly done, incorporate the previously sautéed asparagus and mushrooms. Continue stirring until risotto reaches a creamy consistency and vegetables are heated through.
- Remove from heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Creamy risotto demands slow, loving attention with each stirring motion.
- Select top-quality arborio rice for authentic Italian texture and flavor profile.
- Wooden spoons work best when gradually incorporating warm broth into rice grains.
- Temperature control matters more than rapid cooking techniques.
- Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary dish into a culinary masterpiece.
- Mushrooms should be sliced uniformly for even cooking and elegant presentation.
- Parmesan cheese adds rich, nutty depth when grated moments before serving.
- Timing proves critical – watch closely to prevent overcooking or burning.
- White wine introduces subtle complexity and deglazes pan beautifully.
- Constant stirring releases natural starches, creating signature creamy consistency.
- Seasoning requires careful layering of salt and pepper throughout cooking process.
- Kitchen temperature and humidity can subtly impact risotto’s final texture.
- Rest period after cooking allows flavors to meld and settle harmoniously.
- Serving immediately ensures optimal temperature and most luxurious mouthfeel.
- Leftovers can be transformed into delightful arancini balls the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg