Description
Caramelized Onion Risotto is a creamy, comforting dish with rich, deep flavors from slow-cooked onions and Arborio rice. This elegant yet easy-to-make recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a luxurious meal perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onions and cook them slowly in 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking releases the sugars and creates a sweet, rich flavor base for the risotto.
- Toast the Arborio Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the caramelized onions and stir to coat each grain in the flavorful fat. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, which locks in the texture and prepares the rice to absorb liquids evenly.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in ½ cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely while the wine adds brightness and complexity to balance the sweet onions.
- Gradually Add Broth: With the broth heated separately, add it to the rice ladle by ladle, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is almost fully absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until the rice is tender but still slightly firm to the bite, about 18-20 minutes.
- Finish with Butter and Parmesan: Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in cold butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step adds richness and a silky finish to the risotto. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Don’t rush caramelizing the onions; the low and slow method brings out the best flavors.
- Use warm broth to prevent temperature shock and ensure even cooking.
- Stir frequently to release rice starch, but avoid over-stirring to prevent mushiness.
- Taste the rice regularly to achieve perfect al dente texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Caramelized Onion Risotto, creamy risotto, comfort food, Italian risotto, vegetarian risotto
