This creamy Italian Rice is packed with traditional flavors. It can be served as a side dish or dressed up as a main meal.
When thinking of Italian food, rice may not immediately come to mind, since the country is so famous for its pasta. However, rice has been a big part of Italy’s culinary culture since the Roman times. Cultivation of rice probably started in the north of the country toward the middle of the 15th century, and it wasn’t long before Italy became Europe’s largest rice producer. It still is to this day!
During my last trip to Piedmont, I remember how the taxi driver who took me to the airport talked about their cherished rice (and the many varieties!) with great pride. From the risotto we all know and love, to dishes like risi e bisi (rice and peas) and arancini (deep-fried rice balls), Italians are masters in more than just pasta!
My conversation with that friendly driver was the inspiration for this recipe. I wanted to create a simple dish that would let the rice shine and infuse it with the aromas of typical Italian herbs such as basil, thyme, and oregano. The rice is cooked in broth, but unlike risotto, it isn’t stirred continuously, freeing you from the task of standing over the stove. The result is creamy, buttery rice that will beautifully complement a variety of dishes.
Is Italian Rice Healthy?
This Italian rice is vegetarian, gluten-free and low in fat (the recipe only calls for one tablespoon of butter). The Italian seasonings are a great way to pack in flavor without adding calories or artificial additives that you may find in some prepackaged rice boxes. Besides low-sodium vegetable broth, we use a small amount of salt, but it can easily be omitted if you’re watching your sodium intake.
This dish can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based butter.
What Is Arborio Rice?
Arborio is a short-grain rice named after the town of Arborio in the Piedmont region of Italy, where it finds its origins. It has a high starch content (known as amylopectin), which is released when the rice is cooked, producing deliciously creamy results. Arborio rice is also excellent at absorbing flavors, making it a versatile ingredient. And did you know that its texture also makes it perfect for making the creamiest rice puddings? While we recommend this type of rice, other varieties of Italian rice that can be used are Vialone Nano (which has an even smaller grain) and Carnaroli (which has the largest grain and is the priciest).
How To Make Ahead And Store
To make ahead, stop cooking the rice at about 12-13 minutes, and store in the fridge overnight. When ready to serve, return to a pan, add more broth and cook for just a few minutes to finish. For leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
As a side dish, I serve Italian rice with my all-time favorite meal, Baked Chicken Parmesan. A wonderful vegetarian option would be to serve this rice with this vibrant Sicilian Caponata.
To make Italian rice into a one-dish meal, my go-to is topping it with Easy Sautéed Shrimp. Or try it with Garlic Mushrooms. And don’t forget to finish it all off with a nice glass of vino. Mangia!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups short-grain white rice Arborio preferred
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the rice, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 16 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the butter until melted and fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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