POPULAR RISOTTO RECIPES: Basic Risotto, Roasted  Squash Risotto,  
      Prawn Risotto, Brown Rice Risotto, Osso Bucco with Saffron Risotto, and
                         Risotto Balls; Click to see more risotto recipes

1  Made in Italy
Arborio rice is a short-grain rice named after a town in northwest Italy.

2  Much like rice
Its grains are plump and somewhat oval in shape with a pearly white exterior. Arborio rice is a variety of the Japonica subspecies of Oryza sativa. Most commonly found white, it's also available in a brown rice version, which contains less starch than its white counterpart.

3  What's the big fuss?
What makes Arborio rice special? It contains more starch than most other rice varieties. Because it undergoes less milling than ordinary long-grained rice, it retains more of its natural starch content.

4  Creamy yet firm
When cooked, the rounded grains become creamy and chewy yet remain firm to the bite, making Arborio rice ideal for starchy dishes such as risotto and rice pudding. It can also be ground into flour and be used as a thickener for other dishes.

5  Where to buy
Arborio rice is available in select supermarkets (Rustan's Supermarket, Shopwise, The Landmark) and specialty food stores (Santis Delicatessen). If Arborio is unavailable, you can use these substitutes: Carnaroli, Vialone Nano, and other Japonica rice varieties.

6  Storage
To store, place rice in a tightly closed container and keep in a cool, dark, dry place.


Photography by Patrick Martires | Styling by Rachelle Santos