Italian > Risottos

Bufala and Basil Risotto Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bufala mozzarella
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Cheese grater

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the Arborio rice and stir until coated with the oil. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes.

3. Pour in the white wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed.

4. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.

5. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is cooked al dente, about 20-25 minutes.

6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, bufala mozzarella, and chopped basil.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 15g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Arborio rice can be substituted with any short-grain rice.
- Bufala mozzarella can be substituted with regular mozzarella.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Substitute the basil with other herbs such as parsley or thyme.
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.

Tips and tricks:
- Stir the risotto constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
- Add the cheese and bufala mozzarella at the end to prevent it from melting too much and becoming stringy.

Storage instructions:
Refrigerate any leftover risotto in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the risotto in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the risotto in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the risotto is too dry, add more broth or water.
- If the risotto is too wet, cook for a few more minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Food safety advice:
Refrigerate any leftover risotto promptly and discard any that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the northern region of Lombardy.

Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Savory, Herby, Aromatic, Tangy