Risotto Rice Substitutes: One of the best types of rice is risotto rice which is an Italian grain variety that makes your dish rich in creamy. Risotto rice dishes are a comfortable food for all italian people as it is made from arborio rice mainly.
If you can't find enough amount of arborio rice then you can substitute it with other rice types such as basmati, brown rice, sushi rice, carnaroli rice, couscous, red cargo rice, and many more.
For choosing a great replacement for your recipe, it is important to understand the characteristics of arborio rice alternatives which are explained below, and choose wisely for enhancing its taste and make the best Italian risotto rice recipes without arborio rice.
List of Best Risotto Rice Substitutes | What Can I Substitute for Arborio Rice?
There are a number of rice varieties in the market across the globe but the suitable type of rice that can be substituted for arborio rice are explained here below. Have a look at them and choose the best alternative for your recipe which enhances its taste and gives the same look as the recipe.
- White Basmati Rice
- Brown Rice
- Calrose Rice (Sushi Rice)
- Jasmine Rice
White Basmati Rice
Arborio rice is a short italian rice that gives a sticky and creamy texture after cooking while basmati rice is a long-grain textured rice that works best for biryani and Indian rice recipes and Pakistani cuisine food.
A unique type of rice that is light, longer, and thinner is the basmati rice type and it doesn't give that fluffy texture. You can serve basmati rice with gravy curries like chicken, mutton, and other protein ingredients, sauces, stews, salads, pilafs, and sweet dishes.
The substitution of basmati rice in place of arborio rice can be possible so the ratio you should follow is 1:1. If you want one cup of uncooked arborio rice to be added to the recipe then substitute one cup of uncooked white basmati rice.
Brown Rice
One more risotto rice substitute is brown rice which has a chewy texture, nutty flavor, and brown color. You can even try making risottos with brown rice too so it can be the best alternative for arborio rice. By using brown rice as a substitute for risotto rice, it compliments the rice due to its grainier and thicker texture.
Brown rice is very nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals, phenols, and flavonoids. This whole-grain type takes much time to cook so make sure to adjust the cooking time as per the rice type and prepare your dish eye-feasting and delicious. You can substitute 1 cup of arborio rice(uncooked) with 1/2 cup of uncooked short-grain brown rice in the recipes.
Calrose Rice (Sushi Rice)
Sushi rice is another short-grain rice substitute for risotto rice and it is originated in Japan. This rice is mainly used to prepare sushi due to the sticky texture it results after cooking. This calrose or sushi rice is the perfect substitute for arborio rice as it offers the required creaminess to the dish.
The color of sushi rice is white or off-white and the texture is light sticky and small size. You can replace uncooked risotto rice with uncooked sushi rice in the same ratio as 1:1.
Jasmine Rice
One more risotto rice substitute is this long-grain jasmine rice that was developed in Southeast Asia. Once cooked the rice, has a fluffiness and sticky texture which can be a good alternative to risotto.
The aroma of the jasmine rice is popcorn-like smell and comes in different colors like red, black, brown, purple, and white.
It is high in glycemic index, so it is not advisable for diabetic persons. For more stickiness and creaminess, you can add extra broth to the jasmine rice after cooking. The substitution ratio is 1:1.
Top Wheat And Pasta That Can Substitute Arborio Rice
There are a few other varieties of wheat and pasta ingredients that can substitute arborio rice in risotto recipes. They are as follows:
- Bulgur Wheat
- Orzo Pasta
Bulgur Wheat
Have you ever heard of bulgur wheat? You may see and wonder about bulgur wheat on the menu of Mediterranean restaurants. If yes, then here is a pretty much explanation of it that helps you understand what it is and how it can be substituted for risotto rice.
Bulgur wheat is originated from the cracked wheat and it is a type of whole grain used in Mediterranean cuisine and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is best for salads, pilafs, and other types of recipes.
Bulgur wheat is high in protein and fiber but it is not right for gluten-free dietary people. You can add a 1:1 ratio of rice in place of arborio rice.
Orzo Pasta
Orzo Pasta can also be possible to use as a substitute for risotto rice but it demands to crack the code of it. This pasta ingredient can make you comfortable in preparing the risotto. One of the healthiest and tastiest options to replace risotto rice is orzo pasta. It is rich in protein and fiber but not gluten-free.
Diabetic people should avoid consuming this pasta on a regular basis. Also, it doesn't result in the same texture as cooked arborio rice but you can substitute in a 1:1 ratio. This grain-shaped Italian pasta rice is made up of semolina that comes from durum wheat and arises from the Puglia region in southern Italy.
Information About Arborio Rice Nutrition Facts
Arborio Rice is filled with high nutritional content and the nutrition facts of risotto rice on the basis of 1/4th cup are listed here:
- Carbs: 38 gms
- Fat: 0.5 gms
- Protein: 4 gms
- Calories: 170 Cal
Consuming this rice helps in regulates the digestive system, helps in losing weight, gives the body energy, and stimulates hormones and enzyme production.
FAQs On Risotto Arborio Rice Alternatives
Final Thoughts
We are so happy to provide information on Risotto Rice Substitutes as they help you cook the same recipe with another alternative in sudden situations. You can pick the best substitute for arborio rice as per the recipe instructions and the availability of the ingredients.
Ensure to read all the substitutes of arborio rice and tell us what you choose and how it worked for you in the comment section down.
Our website completely supports you all in knowing what are the best substitutes for various ingredients like risotto rice substitutes so check out our other articles and gain knowledge.
