Fresh Herb Risotto – A Garden Inspired Twist

As a big sucker for a good plate of herb risotto, I always order it whenever I go to an Italian restaurant. There’s just something so comforting about the creamy texture and rich flavor that always leaves me feeling satisfied.

I’m excited to share my favorite risotto recipe, which puts a delicious twist on the classic dish using a combination of fresh herbs. From the aroma of thyme to the herbaceous flavor of dill, each herb adds a unique flavor to the dish, making it a feast for the senses. Not to mention it’s also healthy, so you’re sure to love this fresh herb and garlic risotto recipe!

If you’re new to making risotto, not to worry -read through this blog and the tip section. You can whip up a perfect batch every time. So get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with this delectable fresh herb risotto recipe.

What is Risotto? 

Risotto” comes from the Italian word “riso,” which means rice. Risotto is a classic Italian dish that originated in Northern Italy. Often people wonder what’s better, “arborio or carnaroli rice for risotto?” which is a great question. It is traditionally made with Arborio rice, broth, and a few essential seasonings and is known for its creamy texture and rich, comforting flavor. While the basic version of risotto consists of rice and broth, various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, seafood, and cheese have been added to create different flavor variations over time. Despite the many variations, the key to a good risotto is slowly cooking the rice in the broth while constantly stirring to achieve the desired creamy consistency.

How to Customize Your Risotto: Tips for Personalizing the Classic Italian Dish

One of the great things about risotto is that it can be easily customized to fit different preferences and seasonal ingredients. For example, you could make a butternut squash risotto in the fall by adding roasted butternut squash and a touch of nutmeg. In the summer, you could make a risotto with herbs, fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Add proteins like shrimp, chicken, and vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or peas. For those who love spring pea risotto, this recipe is perfect by simply adding peas to your liking. The possibilities are endless! You can create a new dish tailored to your taste and the season by switching up the ingredients. Whether you love crab risotto, zucchini risotto, mushroom asparagus risotto, beef risotto, fresh pea risotto, or any other, this recipe will work for most variations with just some simple modifications.

Serving Suggestions for Fresh Herb Risotto

Risotto is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and sauces. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to serve with your fresh herb risotto, there are plenty of options:
Consider serving your risotto with oven-baked salmon with broccoli rabe for a light and healthy option. The salmon adds a rich flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the broccolini provides a crunchy texture and a boost of vitamins.
If you’re in the mood for something simple, try serving your risotto alongside panko-crusted wild halibut. The fish’s crispy texture complements the risotto’s creamy texture, while the halibut’s mild flavor won’t overpower the dish.
Pair your risotto with a Mediterranean Sea-bass Chilean fish recipe for a bold and spicy twist. These dishes feature bold spices and flavors that complement the creaminess of the risotto.
For other rice dishes, consider Greek lemon rice, aromatic Yemeni rice, Lebanese heshweh, or rice vermicelli. Each dish offers a unique flavor profile and texture, adding variety to your meal plan.

What is the best wine for risotto?

When it comes to the best wine for risotto, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to choose a wine that complements the dish’s flavors. Risotto is often creamy and savory, so a wine with some acidity can help cut through the richness. An excellent option is a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have a bright acidity and citrus notes that can balance the creamy texture of the risotto. Another option is a light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir. These wines have a low tannin content, which means they won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the risotto. Ultimately, the best wine for risotto depends on personal preferences. I chose a dry wine for this recipe because it compliments this spring green risotto exceptionally well.