Classically mistaken for rice, risotto is an Italian dish made with a special high-starch, short-grain rice. This unique kind of rice can absorb a fair amount of liquid without becoming mushy giving the dish its famous texture. Since rice is completely gluten-free does that mean risotto is also a gluten-free dish? Let’s find out now!
Risotto rice is naturally gluten-free. However, additional ingredients in a risotto dish may not be gluten-free. Risotto is cooked in a broth, which can contain traces of gluten, often in the form of yeast extract. Alessi, Alma Gourmet, and Riso Bello all offer gluten-free risotto rice. The best healthier and gluten-free alternative to risotto is Alexia Cauliflower Risotto.
In this article we will cover the history of risotto and what it is, the difference between risotto and regular rice, the nutritional information of traditional risotto brands and how they stack up against healthier options on the market. Let’s dig in!
Contents
What Is Risotto?
Risotto is an Italian dish that resembles rice but is much creamier and rich with flavor. Unlike most rice recipes, risotto is cooked by slowly adding liquid, typically broth, 1/2 of a cup at a time. This process allows the rice to release its starches slowly, creating that rich velvety sauce we all know and love but with slightly al dente grains.
Most recipes will include butter and cheese. While these recipes may be delicious the added dairy isn’t necessary, and isn’t always the healthiest choice. The creaminess of a traditional risotto is created by slowly relieving the rice of its starch molecules, therefore any added dairy products aren’t required. You can also make this a plant-based recipe by using vegetable broth and skipping the butter and cheese!
Can You Use Regular Rice To Make Risotto?
Technically, yes you can. However, the dish will not be the same. Long-grain rice, like white rice, basmati, or jasmine rice become fluffy when they are cooked and the individual grains remain separated. Short-grain Arborio rice, which is typically used for risotto, sticks together as it cooks.
Using these short-grain rices gives you a chewier grain that clump together. Other short-grain rices used in traditional Italian risotto recipes include Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano rice. These special rices will absorb the liquid of your broth better and give you a real restaurant-worthy risotto.
Risotto Nutritional Information
RiceSelect Arborio Rice
RiceSelect Arborio Rice is perfect for creating unforgettable recipes, such as indulgent risotto. This product is Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, and Certified Kosher.
The ingredients in this product are:
-
Arborio Rice
Nutritional Facts (per 1/4 cup):
- Calories: 160
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total sugar: 0g
- Total carbs: 36g
- Protein: 3g
Alessi Risotto Alla Milanese Style With Saffron
The Milanese Style of risotto is one of Italy’s most highly regarded risotto recipes. Alessi has created a recipe to replicate it. This product is not gluten-free.
The ingredients in this product are:
- Arborio Rice
- Dehydrated Vegetables (Onion, Garlic),
- Salt
- Corn Cereal Solids
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Sugar
- Maltodextrin
- Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten
- Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil
- Dehydrated Chicken
- Spices
- Celery Extract
- Saffron
- Disodium Inosinate
- Disodium Guanylate
- Sodium Aluminosilicate (Anti-Caking Agent).
Nutritional Facts (per 1/3 cup):
- Calories: 190
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 710mg
- Total sugar: 1g
- Total carbs: 42g
- Protein: 4g
Alma Gourmet Riso Melotti Nano Vialone Risotto Rice IGP
Riso nano vialone veronese I.G.P is one of the finest Italian rices. Extremely versatile for the various preparations, it is best used in in risottos. This product is gluten-free.
The ingredients in this product are:
- Vialone Nano Rice
Nutritional Facts (per 30g):
- Calories: 118
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total sugar: 0g
- Total carbs: 27g
- Protein: 2g
Riso Bello Carnaroli Risotto Rice
Originating from Genoa, Riso Bello has been milling their carnoaroli risotto rice since 1856. This European farmed rice is gluten-free and makes an excellent risotto.
The ingredients in this product are:
- Carnaroli Rice
Nutritional Facts (per 1/4 cup or 45g):
- Calories: 160
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total sugar: 0g
- Total carbs: 36g
- Protein: 3g
Lundberg Family Farms White Arborio Rice
Over the years the Lundenberg family has specialized in rice farming, it has been in their family for over four generations. According to the packaging this product is gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. Having slightly more protein than other brands this is great choice for risotto.
The ingredients in this product are:
- White Arborio Rice
Nutritional Facts (per 1/4 cup or 45g):
- Calories: 160
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total sugar: 0g
- Total carbs: 36g
- Protein: 5g
Healthier Alternatives To Risotto
If you are looking for healthier options to traditional risotto we’ve collected some of the best brands and compared the nutritional information of each. From low-carb to low-calorie and high-protein there is a variety of products to fit your dietary needs and help you reach your health and fitness goals.
Alexia Cauliflower Risotto With Parmesan Cheese and Sea Salt
If you’re looking for a lower-calorie, lower-carb option to regular risotto rice, cauliflower makes a great replacement. Cauliflower is packed with vitamins and nutrients making it a great alternative to regular rice. Alexia has already seasoned this risotto with parmesan cheese and sea salt giving it a savory flavor for you to enjoy. This product is gluten-free.
The ingredients in this product are:
- Cauliflower
- Water
- Organic Cream
- Organic Parmesan Cheese (Organic Cultured Skim Milk, Salt, Enzymes)
- Corn Starch
- Organic Unsalted Butter (Organic Cream)
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sea Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Thyme
Nutritional Facts (per 1/2 cup or 113g):
- Calories: 70
- Total fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 340mg
- Total sugar: 2g
- Total carbs: 5g
- Protein: 2g
RightRice Risotto Wild Mushroom
Made entirely from vegetables, RightRice is high in protein, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. This high-fiber and high-protein option will help you feel fuller for longer and makes a great healthy replacement to traditional risotto. Those who partake in a higher protein diet have seen results in weight loss and fat loss over time. Making this the perfect meal to enjoy when you’re craving risotto.
The ingredients in this product are:
- Lentil flour
- Chickpea flour
- Pea fiber
- Rice flour
- Sunflower oil
- Sea salt
- Dehydrated vegetables (onion, garlic, mushroom)
- Parsley
- Spices
- Natural flavors
- Lactic acid
Nutritional Facts (per 1/3 cup or 50g):
- Calories: 180
- Total fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total sugar: 0g
- Total carbs: 30g
- Protein: 10g
Good & Gather Cauliflower Risotto
A steam-in-bag option, Good & Gather has pre-made this risotto with riced cauliflower, a three cheese blend, and herb spices. This risotto recipe is an easy way to get added vegetables into your diet! This product does contain wheat so it is not gluten-free.
The ingredients in this product are:
- Cauliflower
- Water
- Cream
- Cheese Blend (Emmental Cheese [Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Rennet], Maasdam Cheese [Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Rennet], Potato Starch)
- Parmesan Cheese (Milk, Salt, Rennet)
- Shallots
- Rapeseed Oil
- Corn Starch
- Skim Milk Powder
- Salt
- Garlic
- Vegetable Stock (Salt, Glucose Syrup [Wheat], Sugar, Sunflower Oil, Spices, Onion Powder, Carrot Powder, Tomato Powder)
- Parsley
- Lemon Juice From Concentrate
- Leek Powder
- Onion Powder
- White Pepper
Nutritional Facts (per 3/4 cup):
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 460mg
- Total sugar: 1g
- Total carbs: 6g
- Protein: 4g
Green Giant Riced Veggies, Cauliflower Risotto Medley
Made with no extra sauces or spices Green Giant’s riced veggie cauliflower risotto medley has 85% fewer calories than traditional risottos. Because it is made with cauliflower it also has less carbs than rice. With an added blend of mushrooms and asparagus, this is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet. The package comes included with a healthy risotto recipe you can add it to! This product is gluten-free and also vegan!
The ingredients in this product are:
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
Nutritional Facts (per 3/4 cup):
- Calories: 20
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total sugar: 2g
- Total carbs: 4g
- Protein: 4g
Final Thoughts
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made with very particular types of rice. Typically gluten-free, if it’s just the rice that you are purchasing, it makes an excellent dish. But with different recipes on the market it is important to always check the nutritional labels to make sure it is a gluten-free product. Though gluten is not inherently bad for you if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance it is always important to be careful when purchasing products.
With so many people trying to live healthier lifestyles, this comes with a change in diet. Many people know to achieve weight loss and fat loss they need to decrease their overall calories. It is important to make sure you are getting adequate protein. Because of this many of the products we’ve found including Alexia, RightRice, and Green Giant make wonderful substitutes to risotto if you are looking to decrease carbohydrates, calories, and include vegetables in your diet.
When you are changing your diet is important to also get healthy movement in throughout the day. Together this can lead to a longer, healthier life overall.
Related Questions
Why Does Risotto Take Longer To Cook?
Because the liquid is added slowly over time risotto takes a bit longer to cook than traditional rice. It is important to monitor it to make sure it reaches its intended consistency.
Should You Cook Risotto With A Lid?
Yes, we suggest placing a lid on it and allowing it to sit for 2 minutes. According to many recipes this is the most important part of perfecting your risotto, as this is when it becomes creamy and sticks together like it should. eat it as soon as possible so it retains this texture.
Is Risotto Healthy?
The simple carbs in risotto rice have fewer vitamins and minerals than whole grains but they can provide quick energy for the body, so they can be great when eaten right before a workout. Risotto is not inherently unhealthy but be sure to pair it with vegetables and lean meats to make the perfect healthy dish.