Italian Truffle Risotto

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Italian Truffle Risotto is a dish that instantly elevates any meal with its rich, creamy texture and luxurious truffle aroma. Perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge, this recipe is both elegant and surprisingly approachable.

Ingredients for Italian Truffle Risotto

Arborio rice is the heart of any risotto, known for its ability to absorb flavors while maintaining a creamy texture. Unsalted butter and olive oil create a flavorful base for sautéing the onion, adding richness without overpowering. A bit of garlic enhances the dish with its warm, aromatic kick. White wine helps deglaze the pan, infusing a slight acidity that balances the creaminess. The slow addition of chicken or vegetable broth allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty, salty finish that pairs beautifully with the earthy truffle oil. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep the broth warm throughout the cooking process; cold broth can shock the rice and alter the cooking time.
  • Stir consistently but gently to release the starches that make risotto creamy, without making it mushy.
  • Use a wooden spoon to stir; it’s gentle on the rice and prevents any metallic taste from developing.
  • Finish the dish with a splash of truffle oil right before serving to maximize its aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Truffle Risotto pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. For protein, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or seared scallops. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish's richness and truffle notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any other type of rice?
Arborio is the best choice for risotto due to its high starch content, but Carnaroli or Vialone Nano are also good options.
Is it necessary to use truffle oil?
Truffle oil adds a distinct flavor; however, if unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Italian Truffle Risotto Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until it turns translucent, about three minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavor base.
Add the minced garlic and Arborio rice to the skillet. Stir for about two minutes until the rice is lightly toasted, which helps it absorb the flavors better.
Next, pour in the white wine. Stir continuously until the wine is fully absorbed by the rice. This not only adds flavor but also helps in developing the risotto’s creamy texture.
Now, begin adding the heated broth, one ladle at a time. Stir continuously and wait until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This gradual process, which takes about 18 to 20 minutes, ensures the rice becomes creamy and tender.
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and truffle oil, mixing until well combined. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly creamy texture without the need for cream.
  • Rich and aromatic flavors thanks to truffle oil and Parmesan.
  • Simple yet sophisticated, it impresses without stress.
  • Uses common pantry ingredients but delivers gourmet results.

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, heated
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp truffle oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and Arborio rice, cooking for another 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice.
5. Gradually add the heated broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more.
6. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and tender.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and truffle oil.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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