risotto

American  

[ri-saw-toh, -soh-toh, -sot-oh, ree-zawt-taw] / rɪˈsɔ toʊ, -ˈsoʊ toʊ, -ˈsɒt oʊ, riˈzɔt tɔ /

noun

Italian Cooking.

1. a dish of rice cooked with broth and flavored with grated cheese and other ingredients.

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risotto British  

/ rɪˈzɒtəʊ /

noun

1. a dish of rice cooked in stock and served variously with tomatoes, cheese, chicken, etc

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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!

Example Sentences

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

Asparagus can be thrown into risotto or pasta to add a hint of meatiness.

From Salon • May 14, 2025

“I know how to clean. I don’t know how to make butternut squash risotto with truffle sauce and fried gouda cheese.”

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman