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Sweet Corn Risotto Recipe

Sweet Corn Risotto Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

This Sweet Corn Risotto recipe delivers a creamy, comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh corn paired with the classic richness of Arborio rice. Perfectly balanced with aromatic onions, garlic, and a hint of white wine, this risotto is finished with butter, Parmesan, and fresh thyme for a luxurious and flavorful experience. Ideal as a main vegetarian course or a side dish, this recipe brings rustic Italian cooking into your kitchen with easy-to-follow instructions and fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Corn

  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • 4–5 ears fresh sweet corn, kernels removed (or 3 cups frozen sweet corn)

Broth and Aromatics

  • 6–8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Liquids and Fats

  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Cheese and Seasoning

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Corn: Shuck fresh corn and cut kernels off the cob, setting aside half for later. Pulse the remaining kernels in a food processor until coarsely pureed. If using frozen corn, defrost and puree half of it for creaminess.
  2. Warm the Broth: Heat vegetable broth over low heat in a saucepan; keep it simmering throughout cooking to maintain temperature.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook gently until translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid browning.
  4. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Toast the Rice: Add Arborio rice, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until edges become translucent and rice is lightly toasted with a nutty aroma.
  6. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): Pour in white wine and stir until fully absorbed by the rice, about 1-2 minutes, allowing alcohol to evaporate.
  7. Begin Adding Broth: Add one ladle (½ cup) of hot broth at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout.
  8. Incorporate Corn Puree: After 10-15 minutes, once risotto starts to turn creamy, stir in the corn puree evenly.
  9. Add Corn Kernels: Continue adding broth one ladleful at a time and stirring until rice is al dente (20-25 minutes total). About 5 minutes before done, add reserved whole corn kernels to retain texture and sweetness.
  10. Check for Doneness: Ensure the rice is creamy and tender with a slight bite in the center. The risotto should flow slowly when stirred, creating the “all’onda” wave effect.
  11. Mantecare (Creaming Stage): Remove pot from heat, stir in remaining butter and grated Parmesan vigorously until melted and glossy. Add heavy cream now if using and mix well.
  12. Season and Serve Immediately: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and thyme sprigs.

Notes

  • Use fresh sweet corn when available for best flavor; frozen corn is an excellent substitute.
  • Keep vegetable broth warm during cooking to ensure consistent risotto texture.
  • Do not rush the broth absorption process; gradual addition and constant stirring are key to creaminess.
  • If omitting white wine, replace it with an equal amount of broth.
  • For a vegetarian version, use Parmesan made with vegetable rennet or substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • The optional heavy cream adds extra richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
  • Serve risotto immediately, as it loses creaminess upon standing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sweet corn risotto, creamy risotto, Arborio rice recipe, Italian vegetarian dishes, corn puree risotto

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/sweet-corn-risotto-recipe/