Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish: Risotto with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil! This creamy, comforting risotto is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy meal that will impress your family and friends. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through each step to achieve the perfect al dente texture and a burst of fresh basil and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by finely dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, and chopping the fresh basil. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it simmering on low heat. This ensures the broth is warm when added to the rice.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Arborio rice to the pan and toast the grains for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain with oil and prevent sticking.
- Begin adding warm vegetable broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time. Stir continuously and allow each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next.
- After about 15 minutes of adding broth, fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is creamy and al dente, typically 20-25 minutes total cooking time.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to become creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your risotto largely depends on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for high-quality Arborio rice, fresh basil, and good vegetable broth for the best results.
- Keep Broth Warm: Always keep your vegetable broth at a low simmer while cooking. Adding cold broth to the rice can disrupt the cooking process and affect the creaminess of your risotto.
- Stir, Stir, Stir: Continuous stirring is key to achieving that creamy texture risotto is known for. It helps release the starches from the rice, creating a luscious sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Broth: Patience is crucial! Allow each ladleful of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. This gradual process ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your risotto! Add in other vegetables, proteins, or even a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting your risotto sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. It not only looks appealing but adds a burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
