Risotto in itself is a vegetarian comfort dish perfect for the coziest of evenings. Served hot and creamy, it has mac and cheese vibes but is more versatile in terms of add-ins and flavor options. Today, we’re giving this risotto dinner recipe a decadent twist by adding truffle oil. It gives it rich, flavorful, earthy undertones that totally complete the dish. Truffle oil is flavorful and potent, and a little bit goes a long way. Its intense flavor makes it great for pairing with milder foods, which is why this parmesan truffle risotto is one of the best ways to use it.
here’s what you’ll need
Parmesan truffle risotto is made with ingredients that are easy to find, including the truffle oil! You can usually find a few varieties on the aisle, along with the other cooking oils. As for the garlic, salt, pepper, and certainly the wine, those are pantry staples!
Olive Oil: The risotto starts with olive oil. This will be used to sauté the shallot and garlic to get the perfect flavor. Shallot: Shallots offer a more unique flavor than standard onions. This is going to add a lot of flavor, so don’t skip this one! Garlic: Always opt for freshly minced garlic when possible. Arborio Rice: This is a medium-grain rice with a lot of amylopectin starch, making it ultra-creamy when cooked. White Wine: For a bit of extra flavor that pairs incredibly with the truffle oil, optionally include white wine. You can also just use additional vegetable broth. Vegetable Broth: Use vegetable broth to fluff up the risotto. This will add more flavor to the dish than using water. Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own parmesan cheese to avoid any anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese. This leads to better melting. Truffle Oil: Finally, a dash of truffle oil. You can use store-bought or make your own truffle oil! Salt & Pepper: Once ready to serve, taste the risotto, and then add salt and pepper, as needed. Optional: Optionally serve with fresh truffle pieces sprinkled on top. You can dice, grate, or chop them up before adding.
it’s easy to make
The bulk of this vegetarian risotto cook time will involve letting the rice fluff up. Other than that, the steps are pretty simple, and the whole recipe should take about 30 minutes. Step 1: Create The Shallot and Garlic BaseTo begin, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until the shallots are translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Step 2: Toast The RiceNext, add the dry rice and cook. Stir frequently for about 2 minutes or until the rice is slightly opaque on the outside but uncooked on the inside. This step will give the rice a great texture when it is finished cooking! Step 3: Cook The RiceAdd the wine to the pot and simmer until the wine has completely been absorbed. Slowly add the vegetable broth, adding ½ cup at a time. Wait until the broth has completely absorbed before adding another ½ cup, and continue this process until the rice is cooked through. Begin tasting the rice after 10 minutes or so. Once al dente (a little bit chewy), stop adding broth. You may need the full amount! Step 4: Add The FlavoringsFinally, stir in the parmesan and the truffle oil. Taste and add salt and pepper to suit your liking.
Truffle Risotto variations
I love finding new recipes and making them my own, and I encourage you to do the same with this risotto! If you’d like, consider switching things up with these ideas:
Add mushrooms: Mushroom risotto is always delish, so consider adding a few mushrooms! They pair perfectly with the flavor of truffles, and any variety works (my go-to options include button, portobello, or shiitake). Add veggies: Amp up the greens in your risotto by adding leeks or asparagus. Just dice and cook along with the shallot and garlic in step 1. Use cauliflower: For a low-carb or keto option, swap the risotto with cauliflower rice. This is just as delicious with a bit less heaviness! Use saffron: Take the indulgence up a notch by combining this recipe with our saffron risotto recipe!
White vs Black Truffles
While this recipe calls for truffle oil, we love shaving truffle on top for a fancy finishing touch! White truffles are most commonly used in risotto, although they are more expensive than black truffles. So if you find yourself lucky enough to get your hands on a precious truffle, white or black truffle will work well shaved on top!
What to serve with truffle risotto
This risotto makes a great vegetarian main dish idea! Because risotto is a type of rice, it leans on the heavier side. This makes light, veggie-based sides great pairing options.
Fresh Salads: Go the light route with a fresh salad. Thai cucumber, quinoa kale, and zucchini corn all make great options. Vegetables: If you’re not feeling salad, consider a vegetable option like roasted leeks, roasted asparagus with romesco sauce, or one pan roasted broccoli.
