Lemony Winter Risotto Recipe

I absolutely love this Lemony Winter Risotto because it’s like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl, combining the creamy richness of Parmesan with zesty lemon to brighten even the dreariest winter day. The ritual of stirring and absorbing the broth while savoring the incredible aroma makes the cooking process just as enjoyable as the first bite.

I love how the zest and juice of lemons bring a delightful brightness to my Lemony Winter Risotto. The creamy Arborio rice, infused with the warmth of the chicken or vegetable broth and the richness of the Parmesan cheese, is perfectly balanced by the fresh parsley.

This is a dish that is both comforting and refreshing, an ideal winter meal.

Ingredients

Olive oil: A fat that is healthy for the heart; it is a fat that is good for you and that really enhances the flavor of food.

And it is not just for food; in a moment we will discuss another use of it.

Garlic: Infuses a deliciously fragrant, savory richness with a potential for health benefits.

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that is high in starch and therefore has a creamy consistency.

Wine that is white and dry: This offers acidity and complexity that enhances the risotto’s taste.

Lemon peel and juice: Sharp, bright, tangy, and citrusy notes that give a refreshing balance.

Parmesan: Intense, umami flavor encapsulated in a hard, grating cheese; adds creaminess and sumptuous savory depth.

Parsley: The touch of freshness and herb that lightens and brightens the dish.

Butter: Contributes to the opulence and smoothness of texture, resulting in a luscious finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. In a big pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced onion and sauté until it’s just become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and ensure that it does not burn while cooking for an additional minute.

3. Put the Arborio rice into the pan, and mix them well with the oil and onions. Make sure the grains are well-coated and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re lightly toasted.

4. Add the dry white wine and stir it until the wine is almost fully absorbed by the rice.

5. Start incorporating the warm chicken or vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, and stir it in well. Let each serving of broth be absorbed before you add more. Continue this lovely symphony of stirring and adding until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

6. Incorporate the citrus flavors throughout the risotto by mixing in the lemon zest and lemon juice thoroughly.

7. Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and stir until it melts into the risotto, making it creamy.

8. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

9. Take the risotto off the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and butter, letting the latter do its thing and melt into the dish.

10. Immediately serve the dish, and if you wish, top it with more cheese and more chopped parsley. Then dig in and enjoy the deliciousness that is Lemony Winter Risotto.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Ladle
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Grater or zester
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Small saucepan (to keep broth warm)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of rice?Risotto needs rice that is high in starch to obtain the desired creamy texture. Arborio rice works best, but two other rices, Carnaroli and Vialone Nano, can also producesuccessful risottos.
• What can I substitute for white wine?For added acidity, you can include extra broth with a drizzle of white wine vinegar or lemon juice if you are avoiding alcohol.
• Is there a vegetarian option?Yes, utilize vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
• Can I make it dairy-free?Instead of Parmesan, use nutritional yeast and a buttery plant-based spread.
• How can I make it even more lemony?Adding more lemon zest or a fast squeeze of extra lemon juice at the end can boost the lemon flavor.
• Can I add other vegetables?Certainly, adding any of the following can serve to better the dish: sautéed mushrooms, sautéed onions, or spinach. And let’s not forget that peas go very well—sautéed, of course.
• Is it possible to prepare risotto in advance?It’s best fresh, but you can partially cook it, stop before the last cup of broth, then finish it before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon of avocado oil can be used in place of 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
1 small onion, chopped fine, can be replaced with 2 shallots, chopped fine, for a more delicate flavor.
You can substitute 1/2 cup of dry white wine with 1/2 cup of additional broth and a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano, with a much sharper taste, can stand in for 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Substitute 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, for 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, to achieve a different herbal flavor.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor of the broth, consider simmering it with some fresh herbs like thyme or a bay leaf before starting the risotto. This adds depth to the final dish.

2. For an extra creamy risotto, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese right after stirring in the Parmesan. This will make the texture even richer.

3. Keep stirring the rice gently but consistently while adding the broth. The constant movement helps release the starches in the Arborio rice, contributing to a creamier risotto.

4. Taste the risotto frequently as it cooks to ensure it’s perfectly al dente. This will also help you adjust seasoning levels as necessary, giving you full control over the dish’s final flavor.

5. If you have extra lemon zest, try adding a small amount of it just before serving. This will provide a fresh burst of citrus aroma and enhance the overall lemony profile of the dish.