Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice (or Carnaroli or Vialone Nano)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (kept warm)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling.

2. Sauté the Onion:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

3. Toast the Rice:

   • Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the sautéed onion. Stir for a minute or two until the rice is well-coated with the butter and oil and heated through.

4. Add the Wine (Optional):

   • Pour in the white wine and cook until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.

5. Cook the Risotto:

   • Begin adding the warm broth to the rice, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each ladle of broth to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired level of doneness, usually about 18-20 minutes.

6. Season and Finish:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season the risotto with salt and black pepper to taste. If you'd like a richer risotto, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or more Parmesan cheese at this stage.

7. Serve Hot:

   • Risotto should be served hot and is best enjoyed immediately. You can garnish it with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• Stirring is key to making a creamy risotto. It helps release the rice's starch, creating that characteristic creaminess. Stir constantly during the broth-addition stage.
• Arborio rice is the most common type used for risotto, but other varieties like Carnaroli and Vialone Nano also work well.
• Feel free to customize your risotto with various ingredients like mushrooms, asparagus, seafood, or saffron, depending on your preference.

Risotto is a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, it's a classic Italian dish that's always a hit. Enjoy your homemade risotto!