Parmesan Risotto

Ingredients and Weight:

1. 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2. 1 pound Arborio rice (about 4 cups)
3. 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
5. 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
6. 2 teaspoons salt
7. White pepper to taste
8. 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
9. 1 beaten egg yolk (optional) for texture and richness

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 40-45 minutes
• Total: about 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and reduce to a low simmer.
2. In a separate large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
3. Add the rice and stir until well coated with the oil and butter, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it absorb into the rice.
5. Begin adding the broth, one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Stir frequently.
6. Continue cooking until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Stir in the beaten egg yolk (if using) and parmesan cheese. Adjust seasonings with salt and white pepper.
8. Cover and let stand for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 per serving (depending on additional ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: Depends on rice and cheese used
• Fat: Depends on butter and oil used
• Protein: Depends on cheese and protein content in broth

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich texture due to the parmesan cheese and butter.
• Grainy, slightly al dente texture of the rice due to its cooking method.
• Cheesy, slightly salty flavor with a hint of white wine (if used).
• Comforting dish that pairs well with light meats or seafood.

User Comments:

1. "The risotto was delicious! The parmesan added a nice rich flavor."
2. "I loved how creamy this dish was. The instructions were easy to follow."
3. "This dish was perfect for a special dinner party. Guests loved it!"
4. "I added some cooked shrimps for extra flavor and it was fantastic!"
5. "A classic dish that everyone should try at least once."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality parmesan cheese for best results. Grating it fresh adds a lot of flavor.
• Adjust the amount of cheese, butter, and other ingredients according to personal preference.
• Be sure to use a low simmer when cooking the rice to prevent burning or overcooking. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
• Risotto is meant to have a slightly wet texture, so don't overcook the rice or it will become too dry.