Whether you are making risotto or are just wondering about arborio rice, this comprehensive post will cover everything you need to know about what is arborio rice, including directions for how to cook arborio rice!
what is arborio rice?
Arborio rice is a variety of short-grain rice that’s primarily used in risotto. It originated in northern Italy and is named after the same area. Today, it’s grown across the US including California and Texas.
arborio rice vs other rice
When comparing rice varieties, there are short-grain, medium-grain, and long-grain which refers to the physical length of the rice. Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that’s fat, and slightly oval-shaped with a pearly white exterior.
In comparison to a medium grain rice, like carnaroli rice, and a long grain rice like basmati, arborio rice is shorter and wider. Short-grain rice contains more starch than longer-grain rice. This starch is what makes for the perfect risotto texture!
If you are looking for a substitute for arborio rice, it’s best to pick another short-grain rice or even a medium-grain like carnaroli.
where to buy arborio rice
Arborio rice is very common in grocery stores and can be found alongside other grains and rice products. If you can’t find it with the other rice in your local store, you can always get it on Amazon!
Ways to Use Arborio Rice
Risotto is the most common use of arborio rice and we’ve got 10 Risotto Recipes for you to try! My personal favorite is easy mushroom risotto, but really, any dish that utilizes creamy rice is a great candidate for arborio rice.
Some other popular dishes to use arborio rice in are rice pudding, paella (Spanish rice and seafood dish), arancini (fried rice balls), rice casseroles, rice salads, and sushi.
Does arborio rice need to be rinsed?
Unlike other rice that should be rinsed before using it, arborio rice should not be rinsed. Rinsing rice removes the starch coating. This coating creates that delicious creamy texture when arborio rice is cooked. For this reason, arborio rice should only be rinsed if you intend to use it in a recipe that calls for fluffy, loose rice. For more detailed steps to make risotto, you can head over to our post on how to make risotto.
how to store arborio rice
Unopened and sealed arborio rice can be kept indefinitely. Store it in the pantry, the fridge, or the freezer.
Storing cooked rice can be tricky. Thankfully, arborio rice that’s cooked as risotto is a little easier because there’s so much liquid! To store leftover risotto refrigerate it in an airtight container.
When you reheat it, reheat it slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth while stirring. Keep stirring over slow heat until you’ve reached the desired texture and then enjoy!
Ingredients
- 6 cups broth warmed, 1½ L
- 1 Tbsp butter or oil 14 g
- 1 ½ cups arborio rice 270 g
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Broth: In a medium pot set over medium heat, warm the 6 cups broth.
- Toast Rice: Heat 1 Tbsp butter or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 ½ cups arborio rice and 1 tsp salt and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes, or until the rice is slightly opaque on the outside but uncooked on the inside.
- Cook Rice: Slowly add the warm broth, adding ½ cup at a time. Wait until broth has completely absorbed before adding another ½ cup, continuing this process until rice is cooked through. Begin tasting the rice after 15 minutes. Once it has reached your desired texture, stop adding broth (you may not need the full amount).
- Serve: Optionally stir in some parmesan cheese and serve warm!
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