Best Easy Risotto alla Parmigiana Recipe

A pure, golden risotto enriched with generous amounts of Parmigiano-Reggiano. This vegetarian mediterranean staple is fresh, simple, and the ultimate family comfort food from Emilia-Romagna.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 360 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Arborio rice 1.5 cups
  • Unsalted butter 3 tbsp
  • Yellow onion, finely chopped 1 pieces
  • Vegetable stock 5 cups
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Olive oil 1 tbsp
  • Kosher salt 0.5 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 53 g 59%
Protein 11 g 12%
Fat 10 g 25%
Serving size 240g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable stock in a saucepan over low heat and keep it warm but not boiling throughout the cooking process.

  2. 2

    In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté gently until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning.

  3. 3

    Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat each grain in the butter and oil. Toast the rice for 2 minutes until the edges become slightly translucent—do not let the rice brown.

  4. 4

    Begin adding hot stock one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to absorb before adding the next. Moderate the heat to maintain a gentle simmer throughout, and continue this process for about 18 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.

  5. 5

    When the rice is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and all the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir vigorously until the risotto is glossy and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this risotto?
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the defining ingredient in this Risotto alla Parmigiana. Its nutty, complex flavor and creamy texture, combined with the Arborio rice, create the signature richness and savoriness that distinguish this dish.
Q. How do you get perfect creamy risotto texture?
For classic creamy risotto, add hot stock gradually and stir constantly over gentle heat. This releases the rice’s starch slowly, while preventing burning or drying. Finish off heat with cold butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano, stirring vigorously to emulsify and create that luxuriously smooth texture.
Q. What should I avoid to prevent mushy risotto?
Avoid overcooking by checking the rice’s doneness regularly. Arborio rice should remain al dente with a slight bite. Also, keep the heat moderate, never high, to prevent the rice from cooking too quickly or unevenly.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each 240g serving contains about 360 kcal and 11g of protein, making Parmigiano-Reggiano and Arborio rice not only flavorful but nutritionally balanced for a vegetarian main dish.
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