Risotto rice

What is risotto rice?

To create an authentic creamy Italian risotto, the use of specialist rice is imperative. It comes in various forms and is usually very pale in colour, stubby, and smooth in texture. Grains range in length from commune to semifino, fino and superfino, which is the longest. The nature of the grain also varies from region to region. The most commonly used risotto rice in the UK is arborio, although Italians may deem carnaroli and vialone nano to be of higher quality. Other varieties include roma, ribe and baldo. Other long grain rice should be avoided – semi-round risotto rice absorbs liquids and flavours and releases starch far better, giving risotto its characteristic texture.

How to prepare risotto rice

Keep the rice in a cool, dry, dark place until ready for use. Ensure it is covered with a lid or kept in a sealed box. The rice does not need washing before use.

How to cook risotto rice

Unlike other rice that is left in a pan of water to boil, risotto rice requires constant attention to ensure a perfectly finished dish. Create the base of your savoury risotto with onions gently fried in butter or oil. Stir in the rice and cook until semi-transparent and glossy. Over a low heat, gradually add ladlefuls of stock, to be absorbed by the rice, causing it to expand and alter in texture from defined stiff strands into a more cohesive creamy mass. Add extra vegetables, meat or fish later in the cooking process, depending on cooking time required. Once the risotto is cooked, it can be cooled to a glutinous texture that can be worked into shapes for frying, known as 'arancini'. To make a sweet risotto rice pudding, bring milk and cream to the boil, add the rice then simmer over a low heat, stirring slowly until the rice is cooked through and creamy.