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5.0 from 3 votes

Lemon Herb Risotto

A recipe for risotto that makes a fresh and flavorful vegetarian side dish.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small shallot chopped finely
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups arborio rice
  • Juice + zest from 1 large lemon
  • 1/2 cup (packed) mixed fresh herbs (I used oregano parsley, basil, chives, & dill) chopped finely
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the broth and wine to a pan on high heat. You'll want to reduce the heat to low just before it boils.
  2. Melt the butter in a skillet on medium heat.
  3. Chop shallot and mince garlic then add to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes, taking care not to brown them.
  4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir constantly for a couple of minutes, ensuring that it's coated in the butter. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Add the liquid into the rice one ladle at a time, adding more once the rice absorbs it. Make sure you stir often... basically constantly. Repeat this process until you've used up all the liquid and the risotto is al dente and nice and creamy.
  6. Once you've used up all the liquid, stir in the lemon juice and zest, herbs, and season it with salt & pepper.
  7. If desired, serve risotto with freshly grated parmesan cheese. The cheese can be stirred in prior to serving or sprinkled on top.

Notes

  • Cooking time may vary a bit depending on the heat you use and how quickly the rice soaks the liquid up. Don't force it by turning up the heat... risotto can be a bit of a slow process, but it's worth it. :) 
  • If you do find yourself needing more liquid towards the end and you're out of broth, you can just warm some water up and add it to the risotto one ladle at a time. 
  • If this dish being vegetarian isn't a concern, feel free to use any kind of stock/broth (chicken, beef, etc.). 
  • Swap the butter for oil and leave out the cheese to make this lemon and herb risotto vegan.