Italian Risotto

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Who doesn’t love rice? It’s easy to cook and goes with so many different foods in a wide variety of cuisines. However, Italians prepare rice differently than in other cuisines.

Rice grown in the north of Italy is a medium grain rice, with the most common varieties being arborio, carnaroli and vialone nano. Carnaroli has a longer grain than arborio, takes longer to cook and holds it shape better. It is considered superior for risotto, which is why we use carnaroli at M’tucci’s.

In most countries, rice is boiled or steamed, but to make risotto the rice is braised in fat, then hot broth is slowly added and stirred constantly, a process that can take an hour. The initial step is usually to glaze chopped onion in butter and/or oil, then the rice is added for the critical step of tostatura, which pan roasts the rice to seal in the starch. After that, risotto can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, vegetables, or porcini. Cooking rice in this manner allows the rice to absorb the flavors and gives it a texture not possible with boiled rice.

Risotto is more popular in Northern Italy than in the South, although Sicilians use risotto to make the fried rice balls called arancini. Arancini means “little oranges” and the dish dates back to the 13th century when Muslims introduced oranges and saffron to Sicily. Sicilians made the rice balls by adding cheese or meat and frying them until a crispy crust develops. These were likely the first street food in Sicily. Sample the arancini at M’tucci’s Bar Roma, where they are made with Carnaroli Risotto, Pepe Nero Burrata and Pecorino Cream Sauce.

The late, legendary English food writer, Elizabeth David, wrote extensively about risotto in her seminal 1954 book, “Italian Food”. She goes into great detail describing how to make Risotto alla Milanese. Like most risotto, it is finished with butter and parmesan, but has the unique addition of saffron. This risotto is commonly served with osso bucco, while most risotto are served as a first course, not as a side dish. She includes descriptions for twelve more different ways to prepare risotto.

M’tucci’s for Lunch Meetings, Events and all Special Occasions

Dog Adoption with Watermelon Ranch at M’tucci’s Bar Roma

Sunday, August 20 - 12;30 - 3:30

Puppies and small breed dogs are available for adoption!

Weekend Specials

M’tucci’s Italian

Ravioli - Garlic Ricotta Filling, M’tucci’s Bacon, Shishito Peppers, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, Pesto Cream Sauce, Pecorino, Basil $27

14 oz. NY Strip - Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $37

Pan-Seared Barramundi - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Grilled Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $33

Braise - NM Bison Short Ribs, Sous vide Blackberry Shrub, Black Truffle Gnocchi, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Arugula $37

Weekend Cocktail

Fuegorita - Mi Campo Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Muddled Cucumber & Jalapeño


M’tucci’s Moderno

8 oz. Picaña - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Salsa Verde $33

Pan-Seared Swordfish - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Artichoke, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $31

Half Smoked Roasted Chicken - Garclic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Cranberry Gastrique $23

Weekend Cocktail

Punch It! - Maestro Dobel Resposado Tequila, Fresh Lemon & Orange Juice, Vanilla Syrup, Pink Guava Puree, Apple Blossom Bitters

M’tucci’s Twenty-Five

Frutti di Mare - Scallops, Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Marinara, Basil, Lemon Zest $27

Pan-Seared Yellowtail - Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Braised Greens, Artichoke Hearts, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $34

24 oz. Porterhouse - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Charred Broccolini, Smoked Blackberry Bone Marrow Compound Butter $42

Weekend Cocktail

Date Night 101 - Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Giffard Cacao, Agave Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Muddled Strawberry, Aztec Chocolate Bitters

M’tucci’s Bar Roma

Gnocchi all’ Amatriciana - Hand Made Pillowy Gnocchi, Pancetta and Guanciale Ragù, Bianco tomatoes, Cacio de Roma and Olive Oil Garnish $24

Pan-Seared Bronzino - Garlic Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $36

Weekend Cocktail

Pisco Sunset - Caravado Pisco, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Goslings Rum Float

Live Music for August

M’tucci’s Bar Roma - 6:30pm Wednesday

8/23 Shane Wallin 

8/30: Chessa Peake

M’tucci’s Moderno - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday 

8/18 Melissa Rios

8/24: Chessa Peake

8/25 Lani Nash

8/31 Eryn Bent

M’tucci’s Twenty-Five - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday 

8/18 Hilda Kirschner

8/24 Gilbert Uribe

8/25: Chessa Peake

8/31 Matt Jones

Thanks for reading. See you next Friday. Ciao!