“Risotto” is one of the most common ways of cooking rice in Italy. The term applies to just about any Italian dish of rice cooked in broth to a creamy consistency. Risotto broth can made from meat, fish, or vegetables, and most risotto recipes contain parmesean, butter, or onion.
Making a good risotto takes a little bit of practice and a lot 
of care, but the more you stir and pay attention to it the better it will taste. The rice should be short-grained round or semi-round rice like Arborio, Vialone Nano, Carnaroli or Originario. Stay away from long grained rice like Patna because the grains will stay separate. Definitely don’t use minute rice because the grains will still be separate and it won’t absorb the condiments. For a richer risotto, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream with the butter. Risotto with cream stirred into it called mantecato, and is remarkably smooth.
(1) tablespoon olive oil
(2) 1/4-inch thick slices pancetta, diced
(3) cloves garlic, minced
(1) shallot, finely chopped
1 1/3 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
(3) cups chicken stock, heated
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
Pinch salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
- Heat a large pot (wider is better than taller) over medium heat and add the olive oil and pancetta.
- Cook the pancetta until it begins to crisp, and then add the garlic and shallots.
- Cook the shallots and garlic until they begin to brown in color. Add the rice and stir well to coat.
- Cook the rice for 1 minute.
- Add wine and stir until the wine is almost completely absorbed.
- Add in some chicken stock until the rice is just covered and stir again until the stock is absorbed into the rice.
- Continue to gradually add the stock, stirring well after each addition, until the rice is cooked through but still has a bite. (You may not use all of the stock)
- When the rice is cooked, stir in the cheeses and basil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. The risotto should be smooth, creamy, rich, and delicious.
