Golden Parmesan Basil Risotto

A creamy, comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked Arborio rice infused with Parmesan and fresh basil, finished to a golden luster.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by warming the vegetable broth in a small saucepan over medium heat. This ensures that when you add the broth to the rice, it maintains a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid properly. Keep the broth warm throughout the cooking process.
2. 2.
   In a medium-sized pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring regularly, until the edges of the rice become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This toasting step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
3. 3.
   Start adding the warmed vegetable broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time. Stir the rice gently and constantly to encourage the release of its starch, making the risotto creamy. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladleful of broth.
4. 4.
   Once all the broth is absorbed and the rice is creamy and tender (this should take around 18-20 minutes), reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the risotto, which should have a luxurious, creamy texture.
5. 5.
   Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh basil. This adds a burst of freshness and aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the risotto becomes too thick, you can add a little warm water to loosen it up. Serve immediately for the perfect creamy texture.