Risotto al Limone: A Delightfully Creamy Lemon Risotto

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Risotto al Limone

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet or wide, shallow pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Grater (for zesting the lemon)
• Serving dish

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Broth
• In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling; this will help the rice cook evenly.
• Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Step 3: Toast the Rice
• Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains with the oil and butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted, stirring frequently.
• Step 4: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)
• If using, pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice. This adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Step 5: Gradually Add the Broth
• Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This process takes about 18-20 minutes and is key to achieving the creamy texture.
• Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
• When the rice is al dente and creamy, remove it from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 7: Let it Stand
• Allow the risotto to stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together.
• Step 8: Serve
• Serve the risotto in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
• Variations
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs such as thyme or basil for added flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate peas, asparagus, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or scallops for a heartier meal.

Keyword Riso, Risotto, Risotto al Limone

Risotto al Limone is a classic Italian dish that captures the essence of comfort food with its creamy texture and bright, refreshing flavor. It’s a perfect dish for both special occasions and weeknight dinners, and it’s surprisingly easy to make! From my own personal experience, I’ve found that the key to a great risotto is patience and attention to detail, as this dish truly benefits from the slow cooking process. Let me show you how I make this delicious risotto step by step.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a creamy, comforting risotto with a vibrant lemon flavor that brightens the dish without being overwhelming. The texture should be smooth, and the rice grains should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $10-15
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet or wide, shallow pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Grater (for zesting the lemon)
• Serving dish
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Risotto al Limone now.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Risotto al Limone now.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling; this will help the rice cook evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

3. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains with the oil and butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

4. If using, pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice. This adds a nice depth of flavor.

Step 5: Gradually Add the Broth

5. Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This process takes about 18-20 minutes and is key to achieving the creamy texture.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Zest

6. When the rice is al dente and creamy, remove it from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Let it Stand

7. Allow the risotto to stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together.

Step 8: Serve

8. Serve the risotto in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Variations

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs such as thyme or basil for added flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate peas, asparagus, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or scallops for a heartier meal.

Tips and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
• Wine-Free: Omit the wine and replace it with an additional ladle of broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Risotto al Limone now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

I hope this guide has made making Risotto al Limone seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please be honest and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking!