This year marks 216 years since the first risotto dish served in Northern Italy. In celebration of the dish, our new blog takes readers through the history of risotto, from its humble Northern Italy origins to Italian restaurants worldwide. Learn more about the dish below!
Where Does Risotto Come From?
According to Italy Segreta, “In the 14th century, the Arabs brought rice to Sicily and Spain, where cultivation began in the Kingdom of Naples and gradually spread upward.” On the Renaissance started, rice cultivation was booming, and locals experimented with slow cooking methods that would eventually evolve into modern risotto. With slower cooking, the grains are able to release their starch, This method of cooking rice allowed the grains to release their starch, creating the rich and creamy texture that defines the dish today.
How is Traditional Risotto Cooked?
Traditional risotto is made by lightly frying a mixture of onions and butter on a stovetop. Once they’re browned, the rice is added to the pan, where it is lightly toasted (or fried) in order to seal the grains. For best results, we recommend adding a stock, or a white wine to your risotto, which allows the starches to loosen.
Key Steps to Remember Before Making Risotto:
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Toasting (Tostatura): This ensures the rice holds its shape during the long cooking process.
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Cooking (Cottura): Broth is added to the pot. As the magazine Select Italy recommends, make sure your stock follows the 3 to 1 rule: 3 portion sizes of liquid for every 1 portion of rice.
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Creaming (Mantecatura): The final step involves vigorously stirring in cold butter and cheese to create a glossy, creamy finish.
What Makes Risotto a Stable in Italian Cuisine?
Who doesn’t love the taste of risotto? Since its creation, risotto has remained a fan-favorite on Italian menus because of its simple yet comforting flavors. The simple rice base also provides a perfect stage for a countless variety of ingredients, allowing the dish to reflect the changing seasons. You might find it with peas in the spring, rich mushrooms in the fall, or fresh seafood year round.
Try Our Signature Chef’s Special Risotto at Bricco in the North End Today!
At Bricco, our team specializes in traditional Italian cooking sourced directly from the Boot. From signature pastas, meat cuts, and fish stews, our menu will transport you to the cobblestone streets of Rome. Ready to take a quick trip to Italy? Reserve your table with us on our website or by calling us at 617-248-6800 today. We’ll be in touch soon.