Arborio rice is one of the most popular types of rice worldwide and is widely used in Italian and other European cuisines. It is known for its creamy texture and has a slightly higher fat content compared to other types of rice.
Arborio rice is also packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which can have a positive effect on our health. Arborio rice nutrition benefits include providing a good source of energy, aiding digestion, and helping to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
It is also a good source of antioxidants which can help to protect our cells from damage and reduce inflammation. This type of rice contains non-saturated fat, which makes it a good choice for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight. Overall, Arborio rice is a great addition to any meal and can provide the body with a good wealth of nutritional benefits.
What type of rice is Arborio?
Arborio is one of many varieties of short-grain white rice, and is most commonly used in Italian dishes such as risotto, and arancini. Even Spanish paella can also be made with Arborio, in case the recommended Bomba rice is not available.
This variety of rice has been named after the Italian town of Arborio, located in the Piamonte region, North of Italy. It is also known for its pearly white color and creamy texture thanks to its high levels of amylopectin, a starch present in many grains, not just in rice. That is the reason why preparations made with Arborio rice are always creamy and feel with that particular texture on the palate.
Having such good culinary characteristics, it’s no wonder Arborio is a popular choice for many dishes.
Where is Arborio rice produced?
Arborio rice is primarily produced in northern Italy, although it can also be found in other countries such as Spain, France, and the United States. California and Texas are the states where Arborio rice is produced in America.
Of course, it is also available in many supermarkets and online stores from renowned brands.
Some nutrition facts of Arborio rice
A serving of 100 grams of Arborio rice contains:
- Calories: 366 cal.
- Protein: 6.8 g.
- Total fat: 0.9 g.
- Carbohydrates: 79.6 g.
- Fiber: 1.6 g.
- Sugars: 0.0 g.
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, magnesium.
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6.
Arborio rice is a good source of carbohydrate and provides energy for the body. It is also a source of dietary fiber, which can help aid digestion and prevent constipation. The fiber content in Arborio rice can also help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
These vitamins and minerals help to keep our immune system healthy and can also have a positive effect on our skin and hair.
A simple recipe using Arborio rice
This easy-to-prepare rice dish would be perfect to make with any member of your family -perhaps one of your children if they are old enough- who wants to take their first steps in the kitchen. As soon as they see how pleasant it is to prepare a family meal, they will discover a new and creative path to follow.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of Arborio rice.
- 4 cups of vegetable broth (chicken broth will be good as well).
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 onion, diced.
- 1 clove of garlic, minced.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Preparation instructions
- Heat the vegetable or chicken broth in a pot until it is just under boiling.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the heated vegetable broth to the rice, half a cup at a time, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
- Let the rice simmer until it is cooked al dente and the broth is absorbed. This process will take about 20 minutes. It is advisable to taste the rice so that it does not overcook.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Chef’s tips: For savory preparations, Arborio rice is best enjoyed when it’s cooked al dente, that means slightly firm to the bite, otherwise it would turn somewhat gluey. It is therefore recommended to cook it for a little less time than other types of white rice, like Basmati or Jasmine.
On the other hand, in case you want to prepare a rice pudding using Arborio type, cooking it to a soft creamy point will give the best result.
