Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice that is widely used to make risotto. With its high starch content, arborio rice produces a creamy texture when cooked slowly in broth, making it perfect for risottos.
What is Arborio Rice?
Arborio rice is a medium-grain rice that originally comes from the town of Arborio in the Po Valley of Italy. It has plump, round grains that are high in amylopectin starch. This starch is what gives risotto its characteristic creaminess when arborio rice is cooked slowly and stirred often.
Some key features of arborio rice include:
- Pearl white in color
- Short, plump grains
- High starch content, approximately 18-21%
- Ability to absorb a lot of liquid and flavors
- Creamy, risotto-like texture when cooked
Arborio rice is different from other types of short-grain rice varieties like sushi rice. The main difference is the amount of starch. Arborio rice has a much higher starch content than other short or medium grain rices.
How is Arborio Rice Used?
The high starch content of arborio rice makes it ideal for risottos. The starch helps create the creamy, velvety texture in risotto as the rice cooks and absorbs the liquid.
Some of the most popular uses for arborio rice include:
- Risotto – A classic Italian rice dish made by slowly simmering arborio rice in broth, white wine, and other ingredients like veggies or meat. The constant stirring helps release the starch and create a creamy texture.
- Rice Pudding – Arborio rice is commonly used to make rice pudding. The starch helps create a rich, creamy dessert.
- Stuffed Vegetables – The plump grains of arborio rice are perfect for stuffing mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers and other vegetables.
- Pilaf – Nutty, flavorful rice pilafs can be made using arborio rice as the base.
- Risotto Cakes – Leftover risotto can be formed into patties and pan-fried into crisp risotto cakes.
The high starch content means arborio rice is not an ideal choice for basic side dishes like steamed white rice. The grains become overly sticky and mushy when boiled like regular rice. It’s better suited for recipes where the starch can enhance the dish.
How Much Does 1 Cup of Dry Arborio Rice Yield?
So how many servings will you get from cooking 1 cup of dry arborio rice? Here is a breakdown:
- 1 cup of dry arborio rice weighs approximately 180g.
- When cooked, 1 cup of dry arborio rice yields about 3 cups of cooked rice.
- The standard serving size for cooked rice is around 1/2 cup.
- So 1 cup of dry arborio rice yields around 6 servings of cooked rice (3 cups divided by 1/2 cup per serving).
This serving yield is standard for most types of white rice including short grain, long grain, jasmine and basmati. The Volume doubles and the weight triples when rice is cooked.
So in summary:
- 1 cup uncooked arborio rice = 180g
- 1 cup uncooked arborio rice = 3 cups cooked
- 3 cups cooked arborio rice = 6 servings (at 1/2 cup per serving)
Cooking Guidelines for Arborio Rice
To achieve the perfect creamy, risotto-like texture, arborio rice needs to be cooked properly. Here are some tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to cook the rice, preferably nonstick. The heavy bottom helps regulate the temperature.
- The standard rice to liquid ratio is 1 cup rice : 3 cups liquid. The liquid is typically broth, wine or water.
- After adding the rice to the pot, stir frequently until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is al dente.
- Cook over medium heat. High heat can make the rice overly sticky on the outside before it’s done inside.
- Cooking time is around 18-23 minutes for arborio rice.
- Finish with butter or olive oil and parmesan cheese for full risotto flavor.
Storing and Reheating Arborio Rice
Cooked arborio rice will keep refrigerated for 4-6 days. To store:
- Let rice cool completely before storing to prevent moisture build up.
- Store cooked rice in an airtight container.
- For longer shelf life, freeze extra cooked rice up to 3 months.
To reheat arborio rice:
- Place rice in a microwave safe bowl with a splash of water.
- Cover and microwave for 60-90 seconds until heated through.
- Stir gently before serving.
- Can also reheat rice gently on the stovetop with a little water or broth.
Where to Buy Arborio Rice
Arborio rice can be found at most major grocery stores, usually in the rice aisle or with other international foods. Some places you can buy arborio rice include:
- Supermarkets – Look for arborio rice from brands like RiceSelect, Riso Gallo, or generic store brands.
- Italian Markets – Often have imported Italian arborio rice brands.
- Warehouse Clubs – Large size bags of arborio rice are often sold at Costco or Sam’s Club.
- Online – Arborio rice can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon.
- Specialty stores – Some gourmet and specialty food shops carry arborio rice.
When shopping for arborio rice, look for bags labeled as Italian arborio rice for authenticity. Rice grown in Italy will provide the proper sticky, starchy texture needed for risotto. Prices range from $2-$5 per pound generally.
Arborio Rice Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes using arborio rice:
Classic Risotto
This basic risotto recipe uses chicken broth to produce a creamy, savory rice dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 1⁄2 cups arborio rice
- 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
- 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
- In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions until translucent.
- Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add wine and simmer until absorbed by rice.
- Add broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding more.
- Cook until rice is tender but slightly chewy, about 18-23 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan, butter, salt and pepper.
Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
Shrimp and asparagus give this risotto a delicious seafood flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1⁄2 cups arborio rice
- 1 pound asparagus, chopped
- 1⁄2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
- 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer.
- In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions and garlic 1-2 minutes.
- Add rice and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in asparagus and cook 2 minutes more.
- Add wine and simmer until absorbed.
- Add broth 1/2 cup at a time, letting it absorb before adding more. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp and cook until rice is tender and shrimp is pink, about 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper.
Rice Pudding
This creamy, cinnamon-spiced rice pudding is a classic comforting dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- 1⁄2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once thick and creamy, remove from heat.
- Temper the egg yolks by stirring in 1/4 cup of the hot rice mixture slowly.
- Add egg yolks back to the rice pot and cook 2 more minutes.
- Add raisins if desired.
- Refrigerate pudding until chilled before serving.
Conclusion
Arborio rice is a versatile Italian short grain rice perfect for creamy risottos. One cup of dry arborio rice will yield about 3 cups cooked or 6 half-cup servings. Be sure to cook arborio rice low and slow in broth or wine to achieve the signature risotto texture. This rice can be used to make delicious recipes like seafood risotto, rice pudding and more. Look for arborio rice at your local supermarket or Italian market to start enjoying its unique properties.
