The risotto is one of the dishes the world's most popular Italian food. With its creamy texture and delicate flavours, this flat is a culinary institution to be discovered. But how do you go about prepare a real risotto Italian worthy of the name? Which rice to choose? What ingredients should I use?

Don't panic, we have gathered for you all the secrets of preparing a risotto authentic. Follow this guide and become a true Italian chef in a few simple steps!

Why choosing the right rice is essential for a successful risotto?

The Italian cuisine is renowned for its subtlety and finesse, using fresh, quality ingredients to enhance the flavours. The risotto is a perfect example, with the careful selection of rice to achieve the creamy, melting texture characteristic of flat. It is important to note that not all types of rice are suitable for preparing a risotto worthy of the name.

Here are the different varieties of rice, but three of them are particularly suitable for making a risotto :

• Arborio : the most commonly used variety for risotto outside Italy. Arborio has a creamy texture and a good capacity to absorb broth.
• Carnaroli : often considered the king of rice in risottoCarnaroli is prized by Italian chefs for its firmer texture and resistance to overcooking.
• Vialone Nano : Less known outside of Italy, this medium grain rice offers an interesting alternative to the other two varieties. It gives a risotto lighter and airier.

What are the basic ingredients for an authentic risotto?

A risotto The key to success is the quality of the basic ingredients. Here are the four pillars that will enable you to master the art of risotto Italian style:

Broth: how to choose and prepare it?

The choice of broth is crucial in the preparation of a risotto. It must be tasty and have the right amount of salt so that the rice can absorb its flavours.

You can choose a chicken, vegetable, beef or fish stock depending on the recipe you have chosen. A tip for a tasty homemade broth: remember to add herbs and spices to give it character.

If you use a stock cube, choose a quality one and limit the salt added to the rest of the recipe.

The soffritto: which aromatic base for your risotto?

The soffritto is a onion mixture, shallotsIt is important to cook them gently so that they do not burn and to incorporate them into the preparation at an early stage. It is important to cook them gently so as not to burn them and to incorporate them into the preparation at the first stages of cooking. This will create a tasty base that will give body to your risotto.

White wine: is it essential? How to choose it?

The white wine is one of the ingredients that bring a touch ofacidity to your risottoThis gives it a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. So yes, white wine is essential, don't skip it!

When choosing a wine, choose a dry wine without too much acidity or tannin, which could make your preparation too bitter. Of course, adapt your choice according to the other ingredients in the recipe.

And don't forget: only cook with a wine that you enjoy tasting, it will make all the difference to your risotto.

The cheese: Parmesan or Pecorino, what's the difference?

Ah, the cheese... How can you imagine a risotto without that creamy, gourmet touch? The two stars of Italian grated cheese are the Parmesan cheese and the PecorinoBut which one to choose and why grate your own cheese?

Parmesan, which is milder and slightly fruity, is perfect for recipes for risotto classics.

Pecorino, which is more pronounced and slightly spicy, will add character to even the most daring recipes. As for the importance of grating your own cheese, it allows you to keep all the flavour and texture of your cheese, which is very beneficial for your risotto.

So, do yourself a favour and get your hands dirty, or rather, your grater!

How to prepare risotto: step by step

You are ready to cook the risotto perfect Italian? Follow these steps to get a result worthy of the best risottos!

1. Cooking the soffritto

All good risotto begins with a soffritto. This is simply onion, shallot or similar vegetables finely chopped and fried in olive oil or butter.

To begin, heat a frying pan over medium heat with a little fat. Then add the chopped vegetables and cook until they are translucent and tender, but not brown. You now have the perfect base for your risotto !

2. Glaze the rice

Now that you have prepared the soffrittoNow it's time to add the rice. Pour the rice directly into the pan with the vegetables and stir well so that each grain of rice is coated with fat.

This is called pearl the rice. This step gives it a unique texture and helps it to absorb liquids better later on.

3. Add wine (if desired)

If you wish to add a little white wine to your risottoNow is the time to do it. Pour the wine into the pan, while stirring, and let it evaporate partially.

This is it, your risotto is now ready for the broth!

4. Gradually stir in the stock

The secret of a good risotto is how you add the stock. Add a ladleful of hot broth to your risotto and stir it constantly until it has been completely absorbed by the rice.

This process will take about 20-25 minutes. At this stage, the cooking should be gentle and the mouthfeel should be creamy.

5. Tips for successful risotto

• Stir frequently: The risotto It is important to stir often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to keep the mixture even.
• Low heat cooking : Make sure that the cooking is done on a low heat. Overcooking will make the risotto pasty.

6. The final touch: butter and grated cheese

You think your risotto ready? Before serving it, there is one last step: adding the finishing touch. Melt a piece of butter in the risotto and mix it well. Then add generously some grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino) and stir again. This will give you a risotto creamy and tasty.

Now that you've discovered all the secrets to preparing a real risotto If you're an Italian, all you have to do is get to work! Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, you can now make tasty and authentic risottos, thanks to these simple and effective tips. So, don't hesitate any longer and let yourself be transported by the flavours of Italy, for the greatest pleasure of your taste buds and those of your guests.

Buon appetito!