I was making risotto the other night (following a recipe), and started wondering why I had to add a scoop of broth, stir until it is absorbed, then add another scoop, and repeat until done. Why not just add all the broth at once? Does exposure to air make a difference in the “creaminess” of the final product? Does some starch only get released under certain conditions?
In: Chemistry
Others have explained it well. The liquid doesn’t matter as mush as the stirring after the liquid is added. Here is the recipe my wife uses every time she makes risotto.
Source: https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/easy-parmesan-risotto
Easy Parmesan “Risotto”
SERVES 4 TO 6|LEVEL: BEGINNER
1½ cups Arborio rice
5 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade, divided
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place the rice and 4 cups of the chicken stock in a Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente. Remove from the oven, add the remaining cup of chicken stock, the Parmesan, wine, butter, salt, and pepper, and stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is thick and creamy. Add the peas and stir until heated through. Serve hot.
My wife’s variation uses an equal amount of broth to substitute wine. Replaced peas with roasted or blanched asparagus.
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