Would you dare to give an extra twist to your next risotto?

Risotto, the creamy and hearty Italian dish, has been a popular staple in kitchens worldwide. This versatile dish can be made with various ingredients, from classic Arborio rice to seafood, vegetables, and meats. Risotto’s smooth and rich texture, combined with its endless possibilities, makes it a perfect canvas for culinary creativity.

If you’re wondering how to add an extra twist to your next risotto, this article is for you. We’ll be sharing six different versions of risotto recipes that will please your palate. These recipes are not your average risotto dishes; they are creative, enticing, and will take your culinary skills to the next level.

Accept only the finest ingredients

When talking about any elaborate meal, choosing the right ingredients is vital. In this case, the best rice for risotto is the Italian-born Arborio type. You may visit riceselect.com/product/arborio to learn more about this starchy, pearl-toned rice variety.

So, get ready to explore the world of risotto as we share some unique and delicious recipes that will impress your family and friends. From spicy and smoky chorizo to exotic coconut milk, these recipes will surely be a hit at your next dinner party. Hands-on in the kitchen!

Italian-Inspired Risotto with Prosciutto and Parmesan

Ingredients

• One tablespoon of olive oil.
• 1/2 cup of diced prosciutto.
• Two cloves garlic, minced.
• One cup of Arborio rice.
• Three cups of chicken broth.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (best if freshly grated).
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced prosciutto and the garlic, and cook until the garlic starts to be fragrant and prosciutto is golden brown.
2. Add the Arborio rice, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve the risotto hot, and enjoy!
6. Mexican-Style Risotto with Chorizo and Cheese

Ingredients

• One tablespoon of olive oil.
• One cup Arborio rice.
• Two cloves of garlic, minced.
• 1/2 cup diced chorizo sausage.
• Three cups chicken broth.
• One cup of Monterey Jack cheese, grated.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped.

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. 
2. Add the garlic and the diced chorizo, and cook until the chorizo is golden brown.
3. Add the Arborio rice, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese and cilantro. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve the risotto hot, and enjoy!
7. Thai-Inspired Risotto with Coconut Milk and Shrimp

Ingredients

• One cup Arborio rice.
• One tablespoon of olive oil.
• 1/2 cup diced shrimp.
• Two cloves garlic, minced.
• Three cups of coconut milk.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Thai basil, chopped.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped.

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and shrimp, and cook until the garlic is fragrant and the shrimp are lightly cooked.
2. Add the Arborio rice, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the coconut milk, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the Thai basil and cilantro. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve the risotto hot, and enjoy!
6. Indian-Style Risotto with Curry and Lentils

Ingredients

• One tablespoon of olive oil.
• Two cloves garlic, minced.
• 1/2 cup cooked lentils.
• One cup Arborio rice.
• Three cups vegetable broth.
• One tablespoon curry powder.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped.

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and lentils, and cook until garlic is fragrant.
2. Add the Arborio rice, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the vegetable broth, curry powder and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the cilantro. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve the risotto hot, and enjoy!
6. Mediterranean-Style Risotto with Feta and Spinach

See also

Recipes

Knafeh Recipe

Ingredients

• One tablespoon of olive oil.
• Two cloves garlic, minced.
• 1/2 cup cooked spinach.
• One cup Arborio rice.
• Three cups vegetable broth.
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and spinach, and cook until garlic is fragrant.
2. Add the Arborio rice, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the feta cheese and parsley. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve the risotto hot, and enjoy!
6. Pesto and Asparagus Risotto

Ingredients

• One pound of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Six cups chicken or vegetable broth.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
• One large onion, finely chopped.
• Two cloves garlic, minced.
• Two cups of Arborio rice.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain the asparagus and set aside.
2. Heat the chicken or vegetable broth in a separate pot until it comes to a simmer.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
5. Pour in the white wine and stir until the rice has absorbed it.
6. Begin adding the hot broth to the rice mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender but still slightly firm.
7. Stir in the asparagus, Parmesan cheese, and pesto until everything is well combined. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs on top, and grate some Parmesan cheese. Serve while still hot.

Final Thoughts

As you have seen, risotto can be prepared in various ways. By incorporating unique ingredients such as coconut milk, curry, lentils, and asparagus, this dish can be elevated to new heights of flavor and texture. 

Whether you prefer a traditional approach or a modern twist, there is a risotto recipe that will suit your tastes. So why not try something different and experiment with somewhat unusual ingredients to create your signature risotto recipe? With these six delicious options to start with, the possibilities are endless.