What Is Risotto?

What is Risotto and What is it Made From?

Although it may look like rice, risotto is actually a traditional Italian dish made with a special variety of short-grain, high-starch rice, such as Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano. This type of rice absorbs a lot of liquid while maintaining its firm texture, never becoming mushy.

Along with the rice, a classic risotto typically includes a small amount of onion or shallot sautéed in butter, dry white wine, hot stock, vegetables or mushrooms, and various seasonings to enhance flavor.

Can Other Grains Be Used for Risotto?

Risotto can also be made with other small, starchy grains like pearl barley, brown rice, spelt, or buckwheat. While these whole grains may result in a less creamy and more textured dish compared to traditional risotto rice, the flavor is just as delightful. You can even create a mock risotto using orzo pasta.

How is Paella Different from Risotto?

Both paella, a Spanish seafood dish, and risotto, an Italian classic, use short-grain rice. However, paella calls for a unique rice called Valencia or Bomba rice, which stays firmer and separates more easily during cooking. In contrast, risotto rice absorbs more liquid and becomes creamy, with the grains sticking together.

What Defines Authentic Italian Risotto?

In northern Italy, where risotto originated, there is a wide variety of regional risotto dishes to suit each season. One of the most iconic is Risotto Milanese, made with saffron. Risotto Primavera features fresh spring vegetables like green asparagus, while porcini risotto, wild mushroom risotto, and the luxurious truffle risotto are all popular variations.

How to Cook Risotto

Browse our collection of risotto recipes below, and for detailed guidance on cooking risotto, be sure to check out How to Cook Risotto. If you frequently prepare risotto, you might consider purchasing a special risotto spoon with a hole in the center. This design allows you to stir the risotto gently, minimizing the risk of breaking the rice grains compared to using a standard solid wooden spoon.

Our Top Risotto Recipes

Risotto alla Milanese

"This is the quintessential Italian risotto, prepared just as it’s done in my hometown," shares Manuela. "From Milano, I present to you this extraordinary recipe!"

Image courtesy of Anonymous.

Butternut Squash Risotto

"If you're a fan of the natural sweetness of butternut squash, this risotto will be a hit," says Andrea Longo Policella. "It's incredibly creamy and packed with flavor! Perfect as a side dish or a main course."

Image courtesy of Dinogo Magazine.

Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

"It only takes a minute to prepare, but the result is absolutely worth it," says Joshua F.

Image courtesy of Buckwheat Queen.

Italian Shrimp and Scallop Risotto

"The key to making a great seafood risotto is using a top-quality fish stock and, of course, the freshest seafood available," says Tea. "Cook the shellfish and rice separately—rice takes longer to cook. If you cook them together, the shellfish will become overcooked and tough."

Image courtesy of Dinogo.

Chef John's Baked Mushroom Risotto

"The start and end of this risotto recipe are fairly traditional, but we've shifted the middle 15 minutes to the oven to remove those pesky 'variables,'" says Chef John. "This approach not only makes it easier and more consistent, but it also results in a risotto that looks, tastes, and feels exactly like the stovetop version."

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

"This risotto is lower in fat than most, but no one will notice," says Stefychefy. "I love serving it as a main dish alongside some steamed halibut or other white fish."

Image courtesy of Kim's Cooking Now!.

"I can't emphasize enough how much better this turns out if you stir it constantly," says DJFoodie. "If one arm gets tired, switch to the other. Be sure to taste the rice for doneness before serving. There's nothing worse than a plate of crunchy risotto. Trust me, it's totally worth the effort!"

Green Risotto with Fava Beans