Cereal Grain / Rice | Vegan Gluten Free

Arborio Rice

Oryza sativa var. arborio Allergen-Free
arborio rice

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Rice plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The ultimate starch bomb for luxurious, velvety risottos."

Definition

A short-grain Italian rice with a high starch content, specifically cultivated for its ability to absorb liquid and create a creamy texture in risotto dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Starchy, Nutty
TextureCreamy, Chewy (al dente core), Firm
AromaMild, Earthy
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

Amylopectin Content

High (20-25%)

Cooking Time

18-20 minutes

Yield (Cooked)

3x Dry Volume

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/4 cup dry (45g)
Calories350 kcal
Total Fat0.5 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein7 g
Total Carbohydrate78 g
Dietary Fiber1 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium100 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting arborio rice in butter or oil before adding liquid develops a nutty flavor and helps the grains maintain their shape during cooking.

Substitutions

Best Match

Carnaroli Rice

1:1

Excellent risotto rice, often preferred for superior texture and creaminess.

Vialone Nano Rice

1:1

Another Italian risotto rice, slightly smaller, also good absorption.

Medium Grain White Rice

1:1

More readily available, will yield less creamy risotto, but acceptable.

Pearl Barley

1:1

Different grain, but can make a "barley-otto" with similar creamy texture.

Buying Guide

Look for "Superfino" grade for the best quality. Store in an airtight container.

Flavor Pairings

Parmesan cheese white wine broth saffron mushrooms asparagus seafood.

Recipes Using Arborio Rice

Dietary Seasonal Main Dish Rice

Beat The Blues Blue Cheese Risotto

Banish those blues with this creamy, dreamy blue cheese risotto! The ultimate comfort food, it's like a warm hug in a bowl. So easy to make, you can ditch the fancy cutlery and enjoy this decadent dish with just a spoon. Rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this risotto is the perfect antidote to a bad day. Get ready to be comforted!

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Low Cholesterol Low Fat Low Protein Gluten Free

Arborio Rice Pudding

Indulge in this creamy and dreamy Arborio rice pudding, a luxurious dessert that elevates the classic comfort food. Made with premium Arborio rice for a uniquely creamy texture, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The subtle sweetness and aromatic spices will leave you wanting more!

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Course Vegetables Italian Preparation

Artichoke And Red Pepper Risotto

Indulge in this vibrant and creamy Artichoke & Red Pepper Risotto! This vegetarian recipe bursts with color and flavor, thanks to a rich vegetable broth and a medley of red, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers. We use a flavorful broth concentrate for an extra depth of taste, ensuring a perfectly 'wet' risotto that's never dry or pasty. Get ready for a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Asian Rice 60 Minutes Or Less Saltwater Fish

Asian Risotto

Experience a flavor explosion with this Pacific Rim-inspired shrimp risotto! A comforting twist on a classic, this recipe boasts succulent shrimp, fragrant ginger and garlic, crunchy pine nuts, and fresh cilantro. Say goodbye to traditional risotto and hello to a vibrant, umami-rich dish that's quick to make and guaranteed to impress. Adapted from a local grocery store recipe.

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Time To Make Vegetables Course Taste Mood

Asparagus And Parsley Pesto Risotto Bake

A delightful spring recipe inspired by Rachael Ray! This creamy risotto bake features tender asparagus and a vibrant parsley pesto, baked to perfection. Easy to follow instructions for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient

Asparagus Risotto With Pine Nuts

Delight in this creamy, spring-inspired Asparagus Risotto! Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch to perfectly complement the tender asparagus. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Rice Spring

Asparagus Risotto With Shiitake Mushrooms

A creamy and decadent Asparagus Risotto with earthy Shiitake Mushrooms, adapted from renowned chef Michael Chiarello! This recipe boasts vibrant asparagus and savory mushrooms in a perfectly cooked Arborio rice base. Elevate your weeknight dinner with this sophisticated yet surprisingly easy dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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European Italian Easy 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Artichoke And Pesto Risotto

This comforting Baked Artichoke and Pesto Risotto is a fantastic make-ahead meal perfect for busy weeknights! The creamy risotto, bursting with artichoke hearts and vibrant pesto, bakes to perfection in the oven, creating a delicious and satisfying dish your family will adore. A simple yet elegant recipe that's surprisingly easy to prepare.

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Vegetables Vegetables Equipment Low Sodium

Baked Asparagus Spinach Risotto

This effortless Baked Asparagus Spinach Risotto from Cooking Light is a game-changer! No more tedious risotto stirring – this oven-baked version delivers creamy, cheesy perfection with minimal effort. Asparagus and spinach add vibrant color and healthy nutrients to this surprisingly simple dish. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour!

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Occasion Occasion Poultry 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Chicken Lemon And Pea Risotto

Experience the effortless elegance of Donna Hay's Baked Chicken Lemon & Pea Risotto! This one-pan oven bake simplifies classic risotto, resulting in a creamy, comforting dish bursting with fresh lemon and vibrant peas. Perfectly browned chicken and tender leeks create a symphony of flavors. A simple, yet impressive recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Vegetables Pasta Rice And Grains Squash Time To Make

Barefoot Contessa's Butternut Squash Risotto

Ina Garten's (Barefoot Contessa) unforgettable Butternut Squash Risotto recipe, as seen on her Food Network show "Weekend Lunch." This creamy, dreamy risotto features perfectly roasted butternut squash and is surprisingly easy to make! A fall and winter staple that's guaranteed to impress.

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Low In Something Rice 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Basic Risotto Pressure Cooker

Say goodbye to endless stirring! This pressure cooker risotto recipe delivers creamy, perfectly textured rice in just 25 minutes. Inspired by Victoria Wise and Jamie Oliver, this recipe achieves restaurant-quality results without the fuss. We use fresh chicken broth for superior flavor – avoid canned broth for best results. Get ready to impress with this quick and easy risotto, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Low In Something Main Dish

Beef Stroganoff Risotto

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Beef Stroganoff Risotto! A comforting main course, perfect for a cozy night in or a special family meal. This recipe elevates the classic risotto by incorporating rich beef stroganoff flavors. Made with Arborio rice and requiring constant stirring, it's worth every minute of effort. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Grains Vegetables Comfort Food Equipment

Beetroot Risotto

Vibrant and earthy, this beetroot risotto is a stunning dish that showcases the often-underappreciated beetroot. A creamy, flavorful rice dish perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Easy to follow instructions guide you to risotto perfection!

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Main Ingredient Low Calorie Pasta Rice And Grains Mushrooms

Best Wild Mushroom Risotto

Prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey with this authentic wild mushroom risotto recipe! This creamy, dreamy dish is surprisingly easy to make, even for risotto novices. The secret? Constant stirring unlocks the magic, resulting in a perfectly textured risotto that will impress even the most discerning palates. Fresh herbs elevate this dish to new heights; trust us, the rave reviews will speak for themselves. Get ready to savor every bite!

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Seafood Thai Shrimp Asian

Thai Basil Shrimp Risotto

Experience a taste of Thailand with this vibrant one-pot Thai Basil Shrimp Risotto! Simply Ming's recipe is elevated with fresh basil, juicy shrimp, and creamy Arborio rice. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy weeknight meal is perfect for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

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