Cooking ideas: Light risotto – make a low-cal version of it

27.01.2024 17:30
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:21

To manage your weight successfully, you don't have to cut off all your favorite dishes – it's often enough to cook them differently.

For instance, delicious risotto can contain fewer calories, but still be delicious, and you just need to alter the recipe a bit.

Here are a few ideas on how to cook a low-cal version of risotto and still make it tasty.

Prepare Broth

Heat the chicken or vegetable broth in a pot. Keep it warm on low heat while you cook.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. 

risotto
Photo:Pixabay

Sauté until they become soft and translucent.

Cooking Rice

Add Arborio rice to the pan and stir well. 

Let it cook for a couple of minutes until the rice grains are lightly toasted.

Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

If using white wine, pour it into the pan and stir until most of it evaporates. 

This step adds flavor, but you can skip it for a lower-calorie version.

Gradual Broth Addition

Begin adding the warm broth to the rice one ladle at a time. Stir frequently and allow the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. 

Continue this process until the rice is cooked, which usually takes about 18-20 minutes.

Add Vegetables

In the last few minutes of cooking, add sliced mushrooms and spinach to the risotto. 

Stir until the vegetables are cooked and the rice is creamy.

Finish with Cheese

Once the rice is cooked and has a creamy consistency, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. 

This adds a rich flavor without excess calories.

Seasoning

Season the risotto with salt and pepper according to your taste. 

Stir well to incorporate the seasonings evenly.

Serve Warm

Spoon the low-calorie risotto onto plates and serve it warm. 

You can garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Previously, we talked about the vitamins that boost your immunity.

Kate Yakimchuk Author: Kate Yakimchuk Editor internet resource


Content
  1. Prepare Broth
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
  3. Cooking Rice
  4. Deglaze with Wine (Optional)
  5. Gradual Broth Addition
  6. Add Vegetables
  7. Finish with Cheese
  8. Seasoning
  9. Serve Warm