What risotto is gluten free?

Risotto is a delicious Italian rice dish that is often served as a first course or side dish. The rice is slowly cooked in broth, wine, and other flavorful ingredients to create a creamy, hearty dish. For those avoiding gluten, risotto is naturally gluten-free when made properly. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Rice does not contain gluten, so basic risotto made with rice, broth, cheese, vegetables, herbs and spices will be gluten-free. However, there are some ingredients that are commonly added to risotto that do contain gluten. Being aware of which ingredients are safe and which to avoid is key to keeping risotto gluten-free. This article will provide answers to common questions about making gluten-free risotto and share some delicious recipes to try.

What Makes Risotto Gluten Free?

Risotto’s main ingredients are short grain rice, broth, and cheese. None of these core components contain gluten, making risotto a naturally gluten-free food. Here is a breakdown of the gluten status of risotto’s key ingredients:

• Rice – Rice does not contain gluten. All types of rice, including arborio rice and carnaroli rice that are traditionally used for risotto, are gluten-free.
• Broth – Broths are made by simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs in water. This process does not introduce any gluten. Chicken, beef, and vegetable broths are all gluten-free.
• Cheese – Most cheeses, including parmesan, asiago, and cheddar are gluten-free. Be sure to check labels for additives.
• Wine – Wines are made from grapes and do not contain gluten. Any red, white, or sparkling wine can be used.
• Vegetables – Fresh vegetables are a gluten-free addition to risotto. Onions, mushrooms, peppers, spinach and many others make great mix-ins.
• Herbs and Spices – Fresh and dried herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary and spices like garlic, pepper, salt do not contain gluten.

As long as the risotto contains just these core gluten-free ingredients, it can be enjoyed by those following a gluten-free diet.

What Ingredients Should be Avoided?

While the ingredients above are safe for gluten-free risotto, there are some common additions that do contain gluten and should be avoided:

• Bouillon cubes – Many bouillon cubes contain wheat as a filler and are not gluten-free. Opt for gluten-free cubes or broth instead.
• Beer – Since beer is made from barley, it contains gluten and should not be used in gluten-free risotto.
• Breaded toppings – Breadcrumbs or fried onion strings on top contain gluten. Use herbs or cheese instead.
• Soy sauce – Soy sauce is made from wheat and contains gluten. Tamari or coconut aminos are good substitutes.
• Thickening agents – Traditional flour and bread-based thickening agents contain gluten. Arrowroot and cornstarch can thicken instead.
• Packaged stock – Many stocks and broths contain gluten additives like wheat, barley or malt. Opt for certified gluten-free products.
• Processed meats – Sausage, deli meats and bacon often have gluten-containing fillers. Choose fresh meats or read labels carefully.

Following a gluten-free diet requires vigilance in reading ingredient labels and being aware of products that typically contain gluten. When making risotto, avoid these common pitfalls to keep it gluten-free.

What Kind of Rice is Best?

Risotto is traditionally made from short or medium grain white rices high in starch content. This allows the grains to release their starch and create the characteristic creamy sauce. There are several varieties of rice that work well:

• Arborio Rice – This Italian rice is the most common choice for risotto. The round grains cook up extra creamy.
• Carnaroli Rice – This is a premium Italian rice known for making especially smooth risotto.
• Vialone Nano – Another Italian rice that makes excellent risotto with a little more bite.
• Medium Grain White Rice – Widely available and budget-friendly, this works well too.

Other rice varieties like long grain, brown, jasmine, and basmati do not contain as much starch. They won’t break down to create the signature creamy sauce. Stick with arborio, carnaroli, vialone nano, or medium grain white rice for best results.

Do I Need to Use Special Broth?

The liquid used to cook the rice is a key component in risotto. Traditionally, homemade broth is simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor. However, good quality store-bought broth works very well, as long as it is gluten-free. Chicken, vegetable and beef broths all pair nicely with different risotto flavors. For a vegetarian version, mushroom broth adds great umami flavor. Go with reduced sodium broths, as the cooking process will reduce the liquid further. Avoid bouillon cubes, as mentioned previously, and check labels for gluten-containing ingredients. Organic broths or brands marked gluten-free are best bets. With quality gluten-free broth as your base, you can make dozens of delicious risottos.

What Are Some Flavorful Gluten-Free Mix-Ins?

One of the great things about risotto is how versatile it is when it comes to additional ingredients. All types of vegetables, cheeses, meats and seasonings can be stirred in to create unique flavors. Get creative with these gluten-free ideas:

Vegetables

• Mushrooms – Portobello, Cremini, Shitake
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Peas
• Butternut Squash
• Sun-dried Tomatoes
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Zucchini
• Artichoke Hearts

Cheeses

• Fresh Mozzarella
• Goat Cheese
• Gorgonzola
• Taleggio
• Fontina
• Pecorino

Herbs

• Parsley
• Basil
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Sage

Meats

• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Chicken
• Pork
• Pancetta

Seasonings

• Lemon Zest
• Saffron
• Pepper Flakes
• Truffle Oil

Let your imagination run wild with fresh, gluten-free ingredients to make your risotto unique.

What Are Some Easy Gluten Free Risotto Recipes?

Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started making tasty gluten-free risottos:

Classic Cheese Risotto

Ingredients:

• 4 cups gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a pot, heat broth over low heat.
2. In a pan, heat oil. Add onions and cook until translucent.
3. Add garlic and rice, cook 2 minutes stirring frequently.
4. Stir in wine and cook until absorbed.
5. Add broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding more.
6. After 20 minutes, rice should be al dente. Remove from heat.
7. Mix in parmesan, butter, salt and pepper.

Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

Ingredients:

• 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a pot, heat broth over low heat.
2. In pan, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add onions and cook 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and rice, cook 2 minutes stirring.
4. Stir in wine and cook until absorbed.
5. Add broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until absorbed.
6. After 15 minutes, stir in shrimp and asparagus and cook until shrimp is pink.
7. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, parmesan, remaining oil, salt and pepper.

Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

Ingredients:

• 4 cups gluten-free vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 15 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a pot, heat broth over low heat.
2. In a pan, heat oil. Add onions and cook until translucent.
3. Add garlic and rice, cook 2 minutes stirring frequently.
4. Stir in wine and cook until absorbed.
5. Add broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
6. After 10 minutes, add diced squash and sage.
7. After 20 total minutes, rice should be al dente. Remove from heat.
8. Mix in parmesan, salt and pepper.

What Are Some Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Risotto?

Here are some helpful tips for getting restaurant-quality results when making gluten-free risotto at home:

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to cook the rice evenly.
• Be sure to stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Add hot broth in small increments to allow the rice to slowly absorb the liquid.
• Cook over low heat for the 20-25 minutes needed to get properly al dente rice.
• Season with salt and pepper throughout cooking, not just at the end.
• Mix in butter and parmesan at the end for a rich, creamy finish.
• Let the risotto rest for 5 minutes before serving for the perfect consistency.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, or a drizzle of truffle oil.

Master these simple techniques and enjoy restaurant-caliber gluten-free risotto any night of the week.

What Are Some Gluten-Free Side Dishes to Serve with Risotto?

Risotto makes a filling, comforting entree, but can also be served in smaller portions as an elegant starter or side dish. Pair it with a variety of fresh, gluten-free sides:

• Salad – Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with vinaigrette
• Roasted Vegetables – Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower or broccoli
• Sauteed Greens – Kale, chard, asparagus, green beans
• Soup – Minestrone, lentil, tomato basil
• Polenta – Creamy soft polenta

Choose dishes with colors and flavors that complement the ingredients in the risotto. A sharp salad, vibrant roasted veggies or earthy mushroom soup are all excellent pairings.

Should Risotto be Served Hot or Cold?

Risotto is typically always served hot and fresh, directly from the pan. The smooth, creamy texture comes from the starch released while the rice is gently cooked. As risotto sits, the starch molecules can settle and turn the dish gluey. For food safety, rice should also not sit at room temperature too long. Leftover risotto can be portioned, cooled quickly in the fridge, then reheated gently the next day. But for the best experience, risotto is a dish to be enjoyed immediately after cooking when it’s steaming hot.

Conclusion

Risotto is naturally gluten-free when made with core ingredients like rice, broth, cheese, vegetables, and seasonings. Avoiding common pitfalls like wheat-based broths, beers, processed meats and thickening agents allows you to stick to a gluten-free diet. Choosing short-grain Italian rice varieties like arborio, carnaroli or vialone nano ensures the perfect creamy texture. Infuse the risotto with your favorite fresh vegetables, herbs, cheeses and meats for endless flavor combinations. Follow the tips above for fool-proof gluten-free risotto that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. Enjoy this comforting dish on its own or alongside a bright salad or veggie side. Risotto is a simple, versatile blank canvas for gluten-free mealtime creativity.