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Creamy Lemon Risotto Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Risotto is a tangy and comforting Italian classic, featuring tender arborio rice cooked slowly in flavorful chicken stock, finished with fresh lemon zest, juice, and parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy finish. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, it combines the freshness of lemon with aromatic basil and savory undertones.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup finely chopped onions
  • ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1 cup arborio rice (or other short grain rice)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken stock (low or no sodium)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a block)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (juice of 1-2 lemons)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup finely chopped basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Heat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a 4-quart or larger sauté pan over medium heat until hot. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the oil. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add Rice and Initial Broth: Stir in the uncooked arborio rice, coating it with the oil and aromatics. Then add ½ cup of chicken stock. Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Simmer and Gradually Add Broth: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Allow the liquid to simmer until almost completely absorbed by the rice. Then add another ½ cup of chicken broth. Repeat this process of adding broth and waiting for absorption until all 2 ½ cups of broth have been added and absorbed, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
  4. Finish the Risotto: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors and create a creamy texture.
  5. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Finally, fold in the finely chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve the risotto immediately while warm and creamy for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use low or no sodium chicken stock to control the salt level in the dish.
  • Arborio rice is preferred for a creamy texture, but other short grain rice can be substituted if necessary.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
  • Serve immediately as risotto thickens further upon standing.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for more or less tanginess.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/creamy-lemon-risotto-recipe/