What is arborio rice?

Arborio – is an Italian rice variety known for its large, oval grains and high starch content. Its name comes from the city of Arborio, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, where this variety was first cultivated. Arborio is grown in special flooded fields, where it receives a sufficient amount of water for optimal grain development.

Arborio rice grains are characterized by a high content of amylopectin –, a type of starch that gives it a creamy consistency during cooking. Thanks to this property, Arborio is ideal for dishes where you need to achieve a creamy texture. So we came to the most interesting, because the most famous creamy-textured dish made from this variety of rice – is risotto, a classic Italian dish in which rice is gradually cooked with the addition of broth, allowing the starch to stand out, forming a rich, creamy sauce. Arborio is also used in soups, desserts such as rice pudding, and even in some salads that require its creamy, somewhat taut texture.

Using the example of preparing risotto, let's talk about the intricacies of working with this type of rice:

Before starting cooking, you don't need to wash the rice! This will reduce the starch content that is responsible for the same creamy texture of the dish.

Fig fry in butter or olive oil together with onions until translucent.

Adding liquid: broth (or water) is added gradually, in small portions, constantly stirring rice.

Finishing cooking: Once the rice reaches the desired creamy consistency, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, butter, or other ingredients (such as mushrooms) can be added to enhance the flavor.

Risotto with mushrooms: One of the classic risotto options, where rice is cooked with mushrooms, white wine, broth and finished with the addition of cheese and butter. Risotto with seafood: An exquisite dish with the addition of shrimp, mussels, squid and other seafood. Risotto with pumpkin: Autumn version of risotto, which includes a roasted pumpkin, giving the dish a delicate, sweet taste. Rice pudding: A sweet dessert where rice is cooked in milk with added sugar, vanilla and sometimes dried fruits.

Arborio rice has become an indispensable ingredient for many cooks and home cooks due to its unique ability to create creamy, rich dishes. Its versatility and excellent taste make it an ideal choice for various culinary experiments. If you haven't tried cooking with Arborio rice yet, be sure to try – and you'll discover a new world of culinary pleasure. In our blog you can find step-by-step recipes for risotto parmegiano and arancini.

Cook and taste!