Not many people know that there are only 4 basic steps to prepare a delicious risotto. Every single recipe is a variation on the same theme.
Some of the starch is retained by the grain enabling it to stay al dente , whilst the starch that is released gives it that creamy texture.

You just need a saucepan, a few minutes and some imagination.

The basic “steps” are as follows:

STEP 1 – Gently fry the onion in butter or oil for a couple of minutes. Add rice and stir for a few minutes to coat with the butter or oil

STEP 2 – Pour in a glass of white wine. After a few seconds all the alcohol will have evaporated and the rice will have absorbed the flavour.

STEP 3 –Add a ladleful of boiling stock (vegetable or meat) and boil gently until it is completely absorbed. Continue adding more stock as necessary for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of rice used (read the instructions on the packet), until the rice is cooked.

STEP 4 – Check the seasoning and add a knob of butter or grated parmesan to improve mixing.

Starting with this basic recipe, you can create your own risotto by simply adding your own ingredients at the appropriate stage of cooking. For example, if you wish to add prawns, add them at the end of Step 3, leaving them to cook for 4 or 5 minutes.