Risotto con Fagioli: A Cozy Italian Classic
Risotto con Fagioli
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked beans)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth low sodium if preferred
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Method
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling throughout the cooking process.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly translucent around the edges.
- Deglaze with Wine:
- If using, pour in the dry white wine, stirring until it has mostly evaporated. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Add the Broth Gradually:
- Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
- Incorporate the Beans:
- After about 15 minutes of adding broth, gently fold in the cannellini beans. This will make the risotto creamy and hearty.
- Check the Rice:
- After about 20 minutes, taste the rice. It should be al dente—cooked through but still firm to the bite. If it needs more time, continue adding broth until desired texture is reached.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it Rest:
- Allow the risotto to sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Risotto con Fagioli!
- Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked sausage or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Risotto is one of those quintessential Italian dishes that warms the soul and impresses at the dinner table. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s a dish that can be both comforting and elegant. From my own personal experience, this Risotto con Fagioli, or Risotto with Beans, is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal while also being budget-friendly. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Risotto con Fagioli, expect a beautifully creamy dish that’s rich in flavor. The key to a perfect risotto is patience stirring and adding broth slowly ensures the rice releases its starch, creating that signature creaminess.
Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main or Side Dish
- Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Fagioli now.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked beans)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 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 con Fagioli now.
Method
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling throughout the cooking process.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly translucent around the edges.
- Deglaze with Wine:
- If using, pour in the dry white wine, stirring until it has mostly evaporated. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Add the Broth Gradually:
- Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
- Incorporate the Beans:
- After about 15 minutes of adding broth, gently fold in the cannellini beans. This will make the risotto creamy and hearty.
- Check the Rice:
- After about 20 minutes, taste the rice. It should be al dente—cooked through but still firm to the bite. If it needs more time, continue adding broth until desired texture is reached.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it Rest:
- Allow the risotto to sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Risotto con Fagioli!
Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked sausage or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Fagioli now.
Tips and Substitutions
- For a Creamier Risotto: Stir in a bit of cream or more cheese at the end.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and ensure the broth is plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on ingredients.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
Closing Thoughts
I hope this guide has made making Risotto con Fagioli 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!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>