June 17, 2024

Creamy Courgette Risotto Recipe

Courgette risotto is a gorgeous easy dinner that you can make for your family or yourself. There is so much flavour packed into this meal; you are going to enjoy every bite!

In this blog post, you will learn how to make a Creamy Courgette Risotto.

What is Risotto?

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made from arborio or other short-grain rice varieties, which are cooked slowly in broth to a creamy consistency. It is renowned for its rich, comforting texture and versatility in incorporating various flavours and ingredients.

Risotto is a versatile and comforting dish that showcases the unique properties of short-grain rice. Its creamy, luscious texture and the ability to incorporate various flavours and ingredients make it a favourite in both home kitchens and fine dining. With patience and attention to detail, making a perfect risotto can be a rewarding culinary experience.

What Rice is Used in This Courgette Risotto?

Risotto is traditionally made with specific types of rice that are known for their high starch content and ability to absorb liquid while maintaining their structure. The main types of rice used in risotto are:

Arborio: arborio rice is the most common and widely available variety used for risotto. It has short, plump grains that release a significant amount of starch, resulting in a creamy texture.
Carnaroli: often referred to as the “king” of risotto rice, Carnaroli has a slightly longer grain than Arborio and a higher starch content. It maintains its shape better during cooking and has a firmer texture.
Vialone Nano: Vialone Nano rice is known for its small, round grains and excellent ability to absorb liquid. It produces a very creamy risotto while retaining a slightly firm, al dente centre.
Baldo: Baldo rice has large, plump grains similar to Arborio but with a slightly firmer texture. It absorbs flavours well and provides a creamy consistency.
Roma: Roma rice has large grains that release a good amount of starch, resulting in a creamy risotto. It is less common but still used in traditional Italian cooking.
Maratelli: Maratelli rice is a traditional variety with medium-short grains and a high starch content. It is less well-known but highly regarded for its cooking properties.

The choice of rice for your courgette risotto can depend on availability, the specific recipe, and personal preference for texture. While Arborio is a great starting point for most, experimenting with Carnaroli or Vialone Nano can elevate your risotto to a more professional level due to their superior texture and flavour absorption capabilities

Comparison of Rice Types

Creaminess: All these rice varieties are capable of producing a creamy risotto due to their high starch content. Arborio and Vialone Nano tend to be the creamiest.

Texture: Carnaroli and Vialone Nano are favoured for their firm, al dente texture even after absorbing liquid, making them ideal for dishes requiring a bit more structure.

Availability: Arborio is the most widely available and commonly used outside of Italy, making it the go-to choice for many home cooks.

Why Do I Need to Use a Courgette?

Incorporating a courgette (zucchini) into this risotto adds several beneficial elements to the dish. Here are some reasons why a courgette is a great addition to courgette risotto:

Flavour: a courgette has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with the creamy richness of risotto without overpowering it.
Texture: when cooked properly, courgettes becomes tender but still holds its shape, adding a pleasing textural contrast to the creamy rice.
Nutritional Value: courgettes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, making the risotto more nutritious.
Visual Appeal: the green skin and white flesh of the courgette provide a nice visual contrast to the creamy, pale rice, making the dish more attractive and appetizing.
Versatility: a courgette’s subtle flavour allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of other ingredients, such as herbs, cheese, and proteins like chicken or seafood.
Ease of Preparation: courgettes cook relatively quickly, so it can be added at different stages of the risotto-making process depending on the desired texture.

Adding courgettes to risotto enhances the dish in terms of flavour, texture, nutrition, and visual appeal. Its mild taste complements the creamy risotto, while its tender texture adds a pleasant contrast. Courgettes are also a nutritious and versatile ingredient that is easy to prepare and cook, making it an excellent addition to a wide variety of risotto recipes.

Even if courgettes are not your favourite, they blend so well into this dish you will not even notice if they are in there; however, if courgettes are really not for you, just omit them from the recipe.

Do I Have to Use Chicken Broth?

The type of broth used can significantly impact the flavour. Homemade or high-quality store-bought broths are recommended.

Put your chicken broth in a pot on the stove to keep it warm as you ladle it into the risotto. This reduces cooking time as the broth is warm before it is put into the risotto and does not need to be heated up on the pan.

Try making your own Classic Chicken Bone Broth with this recipe here.

Can I Use a Chicken Stock Cube?

Using chicken stock cubes in risotto is a practical and effective alternative to liquid stock. By properly dissolving the cubes in hot water, keeping the broth warm, and being mindful of seasoning, you can create a delicious and creamy risotto. Enhance the flavour with fresh ingredients and finish with cheese for a rich, satisfying dish.

Be mindful of the saltiness of the stock cube; however, as you might not need to season the risotto as much if you are using one.

Ingredients

Butter: butter adds a rich, creamy texture and a smooth, slightly nutty flavour which helps in making the risotto velvety.

Onions: the onion provide a foundational sweetness and depth of flavour that complements the other ingredients.

Garlic: garlic adds a subtle, aromatic pungency that enhances the overall savoury profile of the risotto.

Courgette (Zucchini): the courgette provide a fresh, slightly sweet flavour and a tender texture, adding a light and summery element to the risotto.

Risotto Rice: risotto rice is apart of the short-grain rice varieties that are high in starch, which is essential for the creamy texture of risotto. Because of the rice variety it allows the risotto to absorb flavours well.

Lemon Juice: lemon juice adds a bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness of the dish and enhances the flavours of the other ingredients.

Chicken Broth: chicken broth gives the risotto a savoury depth and richness. The quality of the broth significantly influences the final flavour of the dish.

Mozzarella Cheese: mozzarella cheese provides a creamy, stretchy texture and a mild, milky flavour that adds richness and indulgence to the risotto.

Mascarpone: mascarpone cheese gives this dish a luxurious creaminess and a slight sweetness, enhancing the risotto’s texture and flavour depth.

Tips

If using a chicken stock cube, try to use high-quality stock cubes for the best results. Some brands offer reduced-sodium or organic options, which can be beneficial for controlling the saltiness and ensuring a more natural flavour.
Use warm broth. Keeping the broth warm prevents the cooking process from slowing down each time you add liquid.
Constantly stir. While some recipes suggest constant stirring, periodic stirring is often sufficient. The key is to keep the rice moving enough to release starch without becoming gluey.
Taste and adjust. Regularly taste the risotto to check the rice’s doneness and seasoning. Adjust salt and other seasonings as needed.
Slice some of the courgette prior to frying it to garnish your risotto when it is finished cooking.