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finished sweet corn risotto with tarragon plated with basil garnish

SWEET CORN RISOTTO WITH TARRAGON

Creamy risotto made with sweet summer corn, parmesan, and fragrant tarragon. A northern Italian classic with a fresh, seasonal spin.
Author: Michelle @ An Italian Kitchen
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 2 Medium saucepans
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Shallot - minced
  • 1 cup Risotto Rice “Arborio”
  • ¼ cup White Wine
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon Salt - will depend on the stock/broth used and personal preference
  • 1 Ear Sweet Corn, cooked with kernels cut from cob - should be about ¾ cup
  • 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Dried Tarragon - or fresh tarragon = 1 Tbsp minced
  • cup Parmesan Cheese, grated - plus more for serving

Instructions

    Traditional Italian risotto follows five simple steps. Once you learn the rhythm, you can build endless seasonal variations.
  • Heat Broth: In a medium saucepan, heat broth on medium heat.

Step 1: Il Soffritto- Build the aromatic flavor base 

  • Separately, in a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  • Add minced shallot and saute with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: La Tostatura- Toast the rice 

  • Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted.

Step 3: Lo Sfumato- “Make steam”, adding acidity to balance

  • Add white wine and let evaporate, about 4 minutes.

Step 4: La Cottura- Cook the rice

  • Increase heat slightly to medium-high and add 2 ladles of the warm broth and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add sweet corn, tarragon, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Continue adding 1–2 ladles of warm broth at a time, stirring often and allowing most of the liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes (or according to the rice package instructions) until the rice is creamy and al dente.
    Keep an eye on the pan—risotto likes small additions of broth every few minutes rather than all at once.

Step 5: La Mantecatura- Add the creamy texture  

  • When rice is fully cooked, remove from heat and quickly add the butter and parmesan cheese. Stir until butter is melted and cheese incorporated.
  • Portion 1-serving (¾ cup) on a dinner plate, and gently tap the underside of the plate with the heel of your hand to help the risotto spread naturally.
  • Continue to plate and garnish for the remaining servings.

Buon Appetito!

    Notes

      •  
    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting An Italian Kitchen!
    Course First Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Keyword Authentic Italian Risotto, Comfort Food, Risotto Recipe, Summer, Sweet Corn Risotto with Tarragon, Vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. 🇮🇹