The perfect risottoA while back, I had the pleasure of being in the studio audience for a taping of the Martha Stewart Show!  I love Martha.  And, I was so excited the day of the show, I could barely contain myself!  My mother and I had such a great time in NYC for a few days too!

On the show that day, Emeril Lagasse was one of her guests.  He made the most delicious looking pumpkin risotto that I’ve ever seen.  As soon as I got home, I had to tweak my own risotto recipe to incorporate the tips that I learned from the show.

The result was a sinfully creamy, uber hearty risotto that is the ultimate adult comfort food!  This recipe is my basic risotto recipe.  You can stir in your favorite add-ins at the end — shrimp, sausage, chicken, a little vodka sauce…the possibilities are endless!  My favorites are sausage and peas!  YUM!

Is it a Keeper?

Oooohhhh!  This is good stuff!  It’s a food of love.  It does take some effort — but not much, it’s only about 25 minutes start to finish.  But, this risotto is worth every single second you are standing at the stove continually stirring!  It is also worth every single calorie!  Super creamy.  Rich and sinfully delicious!

Emeril’s biggest tip for making risotto is to only cook it for 18 minutes.  Not 19.  Not 17.  18.  This will ensure that the rice is slightly al dente on the inside and super creamy on the outside.  And, when you spoon the risotto onto your plate, it should pool ever so slightly.  There should be a little bit of liquid that seeps out around the edges.  But, it should never be runny and it shouldn’t be too firm.

This is a great basic recipe.  A starting off point.  From here, the possibilities are endless!  What are you going to add to your risotto?

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I’ve shared this recipe on a number of  websites, blogs and recipe swaps that I’ve found.  Please check out these sites on the link tab above.

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35 Responses to The Perfect Risotto

  1. Tracy Wood says:

    I love the addition of the cream at the end – luscious! I made risotto last week, but it was so thick at the end that it seemed more like a casserole! Probably added too much Parmesan cheese. Tasted great though!

  2. I think risotto is like the Italian version of southern casserole. Purely comfort food.
    Another Friday’s Favorite for sure :-)

  3. Congratulations.. you’ve won a Stylish Blogger Award! :) ~Alison
    http://prairiestory.blogspot.com/2010/11/youve-got-style.html

  4. Miranda says:

    That is exactly how I like to make risotto. I love serving it along side beef short ribs, so delicious! Just wanted to share that you are the featured blog at Mangoes and Chutney today!
    http://www.mangoesandchutney.com/2010/11/featured-blog-christinas-taste-test.html

  5. Janis says:

    I am planning on making this with your vodka sauce for hubby this weekend. Just wondering what kind of white wine I should use. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)

  6. [...] it’s not hard. You can do it.  I know you can!   A while ago I posted my recipe for the Perfect Risotto.  And that’s what I used when making this [...]

  7. Lisa says:

    wow, this does sound good! I’ve never made risotto that’s not from a box so this would be a great way to try it!

  8. I’m a risotto virgin, as the fear of a sticky, clumping mass has kept me from trying it. Maybe the 18 minutes is the real secret. I’ll give this recipe a try, it does sound good.

  9. momstheword says:

    This looks yummy. I’ve only made risotto one time and it was from a box. Thanks for the great tips and I’m sure a boxed recipe can’t hold a candle to this, lol!

    Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!

  10. Simone says:

    Wow-Martha and Emeril and NYC? How cool is that. Emeril makes good stuff. I have tried some of his recipies before.

  11. vickicooks41 says:

    Do you start timeing the rice when you put it in the pan with the garlic and. or when you start adding the liquid? I have never made it before.Love reading your post

    • Christina says:

      I start timing it from when I add the liquid. It also helps to reserve about 1/4 of the stock for the very end. Just to make sure it’s not too dry. Stick with the 18 minutes and you’ll do fine! :)

  12. mary says:

    Love it, Yum! Thank you for linking this to Masterpiece Monday! Have a great week, Mary :O)

  13. Rhondi says:

    Your risotto does look perfect! I love a good creamy risotto. You are so lucky to have seen Martha Stewart and Emeril all in one day! I would be freaking out too. What a great day with your mom!

  14. Hop on over to the Party! Would love for you to link-up @

    http://thetreasurista.blogspot.com/p/treasuristas-thursday-treasures-come.html

    The Treasurista
    Finding and Creating FUN things…

  15. Krafty Kat says:

    Wow, Martha and Emeril in one room! This looks delicious and can’t wait to try it- I’ve never had it so I love finding new recipes to try! Thanks for linking up!

  16. Amy says:

    hm….yes, it looks perfect! I’m sure the taste is perfect too! Couldn’t agree with you more, risotto is a dish that takes time and love to make! So perfect for Valentine’s Day too.

    Amy
    http://utry.it

  17. christy says:

    what a great tip! how lucky you are to have been to a taping of MS…i love her too! Your risotto looks amazing…i love it with just about anything added in.
    thank you for sharing with tuesday night supper club!

  18. This looks good! And I’m totally jealous you got to go to the MS show! Thanks for linking up.

  19. Cherie says:

    Wow… that looks delicious! Come follow me on my blog…

    http://justcraftytoday.blogspot.com

    Cherie

  20. Jenn says:

    I am a rice person, but I haven’t tasted Risotto yet. I am sure this one’s delicious.

    my Food Trip Friday post

  21. This sounds delicious! I’m glad that it’s a vegetarian recipe too (i’ll use veggie stock instead). :)
    Tnx for linking up at my party!

  22. Adin B says:

    Yes, it’s a keeper! It looks really delicious. Perfect for cold weather as a comfort food. Hmmm… Yummy!

  23. cheerful says:

    wow, your risotto looks yummy, havn’t tried cooking one and i am sure if i will do and follow you recipe and advice, my hubby will be very happy! hehehe! he will love this! thanks for sharing…happy weekend! :)

  24. Ann Kroeker says:

    I want to learn how to make risotto, so if this is the “perfect” risotto, I might as well start here. Right here.

    I’m really glad you linked to Food on Fridays, so I have it handy on my blog to reference when I dive in! :)

  25. Mariuca says:

    Wow good to hear u had a good time with Martha and that risotto looks to die for, so yum! :)

  26. Allie says:

    Oh man! That looks divine! Oh, to have rice again… Fabulous job!
    Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie! I can’t wait to see what you have for next week!
    AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

  27. Risotto is my comfort food. This looks so warm and cozy~
    Another Friday’s favorite for sure :-)

  28. Vanessa says:

    Oh risotto is one of my all time favorites and yet I’m always nervous to make it! I’m thinking you just gave me the confidence to try it out because this sounds delicious. Thank you so much for linking this up to Inspiration Friday this wee! :-)
    Vanessa

  29. Holly L says:

    What fun to see martha…and emeril! I must try this recipe.

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