Signature Recipe
Creamy Tomato Basil Risotto
Silky risotto cooked with fresh tomatoes and basil, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of risotto, especially when it’s crafted with care and attention to detail. This luxurious dish offers a creamy texture that envelops your senses, making it a perfect choice for both special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners. Infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil, each bite is a delightful celebration of Italian cuisine.
At the heart of this dish is arborio rice, known for its high starch content that transforms into that signature silkiness as it cooks. The process begins with sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic until they’re tender and fragrant, setting the stage for the rich flavors to come. As the rice slowly absorbs the vegetable broth, it releases its starches, creating a luscious, creamy consistency that is simply irresistible.
The addition of juicy, ripe tomatoes brings a burst of freshness that brightens each mouthful, while fragrant basil adds an herbaceous note that completes the dish beautifully. Topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, the risotto not only boasts a savory depth but also an inviting richness that makes it feel indulgent yet comforting.
Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this risotto is sure to impress. Join me in exploring how to create this delightful dish that promises to warm your heart and fill your home with the irresistible aromas of Italy.
Creamy Tomato Basil Risotto
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 1 cup arborio rice (for creamy texture)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium tomatoes (diced, fresh)
- 1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Steps
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the arborio rice to the pan and stir for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
- Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and stir until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Continue adding the broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.
- Once the rice is creamy and cooked al dente (about 18-20 minutes), stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Serve warm, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- Silky risotto cooked with fresh tomatoes and basil, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan.