risotto
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of risotto
First recorded in 1850–55; from Italian, derivative of riso “rice”; see rice
Explanation
Risotto is a tasty dish made of short-grained rice that's cooked very slowly while hot broth is gradually added. You might see risotto on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant. Risotto is starchy, rich, and flavorful, usually served warm with grated Parmesan cheese and a swirl of olive oil on top. Making risotto isn't difficult, but it does involve a lot of stirring over a relatively long period of time. A basic risotto recipe includes butter, onion or shallot, a little white wine, the short rice that's also called risotto (from the Italian riso, or "rice"), and savory broth. Buon appetito!
Vocabulary lists containing risotto
World Cuisine - Introductory
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World Cuisine - Middle School and High School
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Measuring Up
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The plate that my pea risotto was served on was much larger than the serving of risotto itself.
From Salon ● Jun. 3, 2026
A plate of risotto was among the first images shown on the video board in the countdown video as the ceremony approached, followed by the picturesque snowy peaks of the Dolomites.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2026
They include the stars of the rice world - risotto, basmati and sushi.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2025
Parmesan-crusted zucchini spears were enjoyed with baked salmon and a creamy mushroom risotto.
From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2025
It looked smaller and shabbier by daylight, but it was the same place, with the zinc-topped bar, the espresso machine, and the half-finished plate of risotto, now beginning to smell bad in the warm air.
From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman
When stirred into risottos and pastas just before serving, mascarpone melts into the silkiest, luxurious one-ingredient sauce.
From Salon ● Apr. 10, 2022
A Dutch oven is a must for braises, risottos, pasta sauces, and anything slow-cooked.
From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2018
This is especially curious as Ms. Ramirez favors vialone nano rice — a highly absorbent grain capable of taking on twice its weight in liquid — instead of arborio for her risottos.
From New York Times ● Feb. 26, 2016
You can also use Arborio, an Italian variety typically used in risottos.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2015
Pumpkin’s spread to consumer pantries has also been fueled by its growing foothold in American restaurants, where gourmet chefs are increasingly presenting it as an earthy accouterment in soups and risottos, and fast-casual eateries such as Panera Bread are selling “Pumpkin Muffies.”
From Washington Post ● Sep. 3, 2015
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
