This Balsamic Risotto is rich and tangy with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar, and a great way to use garden tomatoes and basil!
In the world of perfect food pairings, high on the list are balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese. Both originate in the same Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and they play exceptionally well together in this simple balsamic risotto.
I first encountered balsamic risotto at a Michelin starred restaurant in Modena, Italy. The risotto was served as a simple side to an otherwise rather fancy meal. It was so creamy with Parmesan and the starchy risotto rice, and so richly flavored with the balsamic vinegar, it was the favorite of everyone at the table!
This is my recreation of that dish, to which I have added some fresh cherry and Sungold tomatoes, as well as a few slivers of basil from my garden.
How to make balsamic risotto
This risotto is prepared in the classic way. First soften some shallots and garlic in butter, then add risotto rice and let the edges brown in the pan. Pour in a ladleful of dry white wine and let the rice absorb the flavors of the wine.
The next step is what takes time. Risotto requires and rewards patience! Add a half cup of stock, and slowly stir the risotto rice. Add more stock only when the rice has absorbed the liquid already in the pot. Stirring slowly will help the rice release its starches which creates the creamy backdrop to the risotto.
At the very last ladleful of stock, add some balsamic vinegar and tomatoes.
Which Balsamic Vinegar to Use
I’ve made this risotto with both a syrupy balsamic vinegar and a thin more tart balsamic vinegar. Both work fine. You’ll get a richer flavor from a thicker, aged balsamic, but you’ll get more brightness from a thinner, tarter vinegar. (See our Guide to Balsamic Vinegar.)
Everyone’s palate is different, and every balsamic vinegar is different. So start with a tablespoon of what you have, and add more to taste!
What stock to use
For this recipe I’m using vegetable stock. I make my own homemade vegetable stock because I like making stock, and frankly I have yet to find a boxed vegetable stock that tastes good. I have had a good experience with a product called “Better Than Bouillon“. So, if you want to use a prepared stock, I recommend that product (this is not a paid endorsement, I just like it).
You could use chicken stock if you have it. I wanted a more veg-centric flavor to this risotto which is why I’m using vegetable stock.
Balsamic Risotto with Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3 to 4
Ingredients
- 4 cups of stock (I use homemade vegetable stock or Better Than Bouillon)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chopped shallots
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup (200 g) risotto rice (arborio, carnaroli, or vialone nano)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (I recommend a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- White pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme or a pinch of dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 basil leaves, thinly sliced
Method
1 Heat the stock: Bring 4 cups of stock to a low simmer in a small pot. Keep the stock warm while making the risotto.
2 Cook shallots and garlic: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a wide saucepan on medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until translucent, a couple of minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, a half minute more.
3 Lightly brown the rice: Add the risotto rice to the pan and toss to coat with the shallots. Increase the heat to medium high and let the rice start to brown.
4 Add the white wine: Stir in the white wine. The pan will steam up. Let the rice absorb the wine.
5 Start adding the stock, 1/2 cup at a time: Here is the real process of making risotto. Add the stock, a half cup or ladleful at a time, slowly stirring the rice, and allowing the rice to absorb the stock for a minute or two, before adding another ladleful of stock.
You’ll want to stop adding the stock when the rice is cooked through, but still a little firm to the bite, « al dente ». Note that you may not need all of the stock you have heated for this recipe.
6 Add balsamic, tomatoes, thyme with last 1/2 cup of stock: When it comes time for that last 1/2 cup of stock to add to the risotto, add it, as well as the balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar can vary in its acidity and intensity. So, add 1 tablespoon to start, and add another tablespoon if you want more of the balsamic flavor.
Add half of the cherry tomatoes and add the thyme. Let the tomatoes soften with the cooking of the risotto in those last few minutes.
7 Remove from heat, stir in Parm: When the risotto has reached it’s « al dente » stage, remove it from heat. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with pepper.
8 Serve: Serve with remaining halved fresh cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced basil on top.
