Pesto Risotto

Series 7 - Italian Basics 101, Episode 1
Pesto Risotto
Note - For Pesto Only:
Pesto Ingredients: 3:18 - 3:39
Pesto Instructions: 4:15 - 6:07

In our first video of “Italian Basics 101” you will learn how to make 2 Italian Classics - Pesto and Risotto, and then combine them into one incredibly delicious dish.

Risotto originated in Northern Italy, specifically the Lombardy and Piedmont regions. It is a deceptively simple dish - the keys to success are using the right type of rice (NOT rinsing it), using the proper rice to warm liquid ratio, and not rushing the cooking process (it takes 18-20 minutes of constant stirring while adding small additions of broth).

We will make the classic green pesto, Pesto alla Genovese, a region where basil grows abundantly and pine nuts are native. The other important ingredients are real Parmesano-Reggianno and good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil - This is the time to break out your best bottle of olive oil!

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Difficulty Level for this Dish: Moderate

0:00 - Channel Intro
0:27 - Pesto Risotto Intro
3:17 - Pesto Risotto Ingredients
4:20 - Pesto Risotto Instruction

Videography, Editing & Photography: Nathan R.

Series 7 Italian Basics 101
Italian cuisine is popular around the world, and for good reason! Each dish focuses on just a few fresh, high quality ingredients simply prepared. From warm fresh pasta to cheesy lasagna, creamy risotto to crispy pizza, it is the ultimate comfort food.

Italian basics adapt well to international cuisines - you will find regional tweaks on pasta and pizza in almost every country.

Eating in Italy is not just about the ingredients though - it’s a whole lifestyle centered on gathering friends and family around the table to enjoy a slow meal and celebrate life!

In this series “Italian Basics 101” you will learn the ingredients and techniques for making risotto, pasta from scratch, seafood soup, the versatile sauces of pesto and marinara, plus the classic Italian dishes of Chicken Picatta, Eggplant Parmesan and Tiramisu.

Once you learn the Italian basics, you can create your own endless variations to share around the table with family and friends.

Episode 1 4/29 -    • Pesto Risotto  
Episode 2 5/6 -    • Sicilian Seafood Soup  
Episode 3 5/13 -    • Chicken Piccata  
Episode 4 5/20 -    • Eggplant Parmesan  
Episode 5 5/27 -    • Tiramisu  
Episode 6 6/3 -    • Fresh Pasta with Marinara