5 Easy Risotto Recipes

Risotto with peas and parmesan — Peter Ardito

Risotto intimidates many home cooks -- the myth being that there's some trick to it. The truth is that while it does take a bit of time and attention, the technique is simple.

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Peter Ardito

Basic Risotto with Fresh Herbs

Once you get the technique down, you can pretty much toss anything you like into the risotto to create different dinners -- here, we're using fresh herbs. Just know that the flavor is only as good as the stock used -- homemade is best, but good-quality packaged will work too.

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Peter Ardito

Super Shrimp

In the mood for seafood? Toss some shrimp in with your risotto. For a richer taste, add extra butter or olive oil.

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Mixed Mushroom Risotto

Mushrooms are high in potassium and in taste; use a variety of them in this recipe and your risotto will be bursting with flavor.

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Peter Ardito

Risotto with Lemon and Parmesan

For a fruity twist, add lemon zest and lemon juice -- the fresher, the better.

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Peter Ardito

Risotto with Peas and Parmesan

Looking to get your kid to eat more vegetables? Try adding peas to your risotto base. It will make the dish more colorful, and he'll get a dinner packed with nutrients.

Originally published in the September 2011 issue of Parents magazine.