Things to Look for While Choosing the Best Pizza Outlet

Pizza is the hot favourite food worldwide. This is an exotic dish known for its rich aroma, crispy crust and oodles of cheese in diverse toppings. Pizza is surely a delightful treat for all food aficionados across the globe. Pizzas come in various sizes and in wide varieties to cater to the individual taste buds, preferences, and hunger levels. You could have pizza anytime and every time. It is ideal for supper or as a snack anytime during the day. It could be ordered for official lunches and business meets, or a get-together at home. Pizza is something that should be enjoyed together in a group. There is no fun in having pizza sitting at home alone. Call over friends this weekend and enjoy the best pizza in Melbourne CBD.

Today there is no dearth of pizza outlets in any of the top cities in the world. There are several pizza outlets offering various kinds of pizza differing in styles and flavours. Nothing could be more enticing and yummy than a slice of pizza and the taste of melting cheese in your mouth. But of course, you are looking for the best pizza in town so you must visit the perfect pizza outlet that would be serving top quality pizza and assuring a wonderful culinary experience. Here are some of the things to consider when you are looking for the best pizza in Melbourne CBD.

The Menu Should Be Interesting & Extensive

There are numerous pizza places in Melbourne that would be serving their specialities but not all of them serve what you are looking for. Choose a place that offers an extensive menu comprising various types of pizza in terms of toppings and crust. You must browse the menu properly and choose your favourite pizza or try out something new that sounds interesting. You could opt for a soft, hard, doughy, spicy, bitter, or sweet crust or you may choose a spicy or a cheesy topping that comes in a wide variety. Keep trying delicious pizzas from an exhaustive menu until you identify the best pizza for you in Melbourne CBD.

Warm & Welcoming Ambiance

An ambiance plays a pivotal role in the entire culinary experience. Great food with complementary great ambiance is what you should look for. In order to savour the mouth-watering pizza, you would be requiring a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The crowd should be good and the staff should be friendly and competent. There should be stimulating music to set the right food for enjoying the ever-so-delicious pizza. Good music and proper lighting could uplift your mood and make your pizza experience a memorable one so that you would keep coming back to the same pizza outlet.

Hygiene Should Be on Top of Your Mind

Health and hygiene are important in whatever we do. You must make sure that your pizza outlet is squeaky clean in terms of the kitchen, the sitting arrangement, customer’s washroom etc. You must ask if the ingredients are fresh or not. Choose a place that follows all industry health standards and stringent regulations.

You must choose a place that is near your house or workplace so that you could hop in whenever you are in a mood for your favourite pizza. You must be looking for immaculate service and ensure that you are choosing a place that not only offers the best pizza in Melbourne CBD but also serves 24×7.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Pizza

Pizza is supposed to be the world’s most loved food and it is probably one of the simplest of all delicacies that are popular worldwide. However, it is not that easy to define pizza. Centuries have gone by and pizza has evolved and completely transformed itself through the ages from being the patties that were made with mashed grains into a completely new dish today. Most remarkable change is in its main ingredient. It is today made from exclusively white flour-based dough as opposed to the coarse grains of yesteryear. Come to the best restaurant in South Melbourne to enjoy the delicious pizza.

What do you understand by Pizza today?

Even though pizza has gone through an evolutionary process and has assumed various forms with time, it has actually been a super-delicious flatbread that is baked at extremely high temperatures. With time, the pizza toppings, methods of preparation, composition, seasonings, and the equipment that is used have all gone through a radical change.

How did the pizzeria come by?

It is interesting to learn about the birth of quintessential Pizzeria. Right from the very beginning, people would rarely prepare pizza at their homes simply because they did not possess the skill to effectively stretch the dough and in many cases, they could not afford to build any wood-fired oven for baking the pizza. As such, pizza has always been purchased from small stalls mostly and sometimes, from individual pizza sellers walking down the teeming Neapolitan streets and selling their aromatic and mouth-watering food stuff. Then came some open-air pizza stands with makeshift seating arrangements. It was only in the year 1830 that the first official Pizzeria was inaugurated.

A Pizzeria during those days was referred to as an affordable gathering place which was specializing in the traditional pizza and was well-equipped with efficient wood burning stoves. Till date, Pizzeria serves as an economical fast-paced restaurant. You should enjoy your favorite pizza with your friends and family at the most reputed restaurant in South Melbourne.

What is Neapolitan Pizza?

Neapolitan Pizza is supposed to be the original pizza. This absolutely delectable pie dates back to the 18th century. During this period at Naples in Italy, the not so affluent class would frequently buy food which could be eaten fast and was cheap enough. The Neapolitan Pizza fitted the bill just right. It was then a flatbread with cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and oil/. It was truly a lip-smacking delicacy that was cheap and readily available.

Is there any demand for the alternative pizza types?

Pizza comes today with endless varieties of toppings and styles. There is a great demand for the conventional pizza toppings such as veggies and pepperoni. However, alternative or unique pizza toppings draw more customers every day.

What is a thin crust pizza?

Thin crust pizza is supposed to be thinner at the center where you put the cheese, sauce, and other toppings but they have a doughy and a crunchy edge.  New York- Style and Neapolitan are thin crust pizzas that do not come with too many toppings as they would not be able to handle the extra weight.

What is a thick crust pizza?

Thick crust pizza is supposed to be uniformly thick all over. It could handle a lot of toppings and sauce. Sicilian and Chicago are some varieties of the thick crust pizzas. Today, pizza toppings could be extremely varied. You could enjoy meats, prawns, fish, vegetables, herbs, fruits, spices, and cheese. Visit the most reputed restaurant in South Melbourne to enjoy unique pizzas.

Embrace Pizza- Even on a Diet

Whenever someone is talking about dieting to lose weight, one of the first items they shun is the pizza. This is highly disappointing because pizza is given a bad rap for absolutely no reason. You’d be surprised to hear that it isn’t the fatty, calorie-loaded disaster that most fanatics think it is. In fact, pizzas are rich in various sorts of nutrients like protein, fibre, and calcium. There’s no doubt, however, that some pizzas could be quite extravagant, so you are going to have to pick smart when ordering from your favourite pizza takeaway based in Southbank. Here are the top tips for healthy pizza buying.

The Right Crust

Always try to opt for the thin crust and avoid the cheese-filled one.

The Toppings

One of the most popular toppings is Pepperoni. Some other super popular options are sausage, mushrooms, onion, and pepper. However, opt for all veggies as they are great for toppings; you really can’t go wrong. Artichokes, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, garlic, peppers; all of these add wonderful colour and flavour to your pizza and are totally worth adding. You can add eggplant, but ensure it isn’t fried and breaded. Skip processed meats like pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs, because these hold extra calories and fat. Go for chicken instead.

To Cheese or Not to Cheese

You should ask for less cheese in the first place, and definitely, say no to extra cheese if offered. It is a huge source of calories and fat and should be avoided. You could also order without cheese and then sprinkle some parmesan on top, or alternatively, order a pizza with ricotta replacing mozzarella. This actually halves your calorie input.

Blotting

There’s no scientific research that proves that you’re saving a ton of calories if you blot your pizza with a napkin or a piece of paper. That said it might still be a good thing to do if the pizza you are served looks incredibly oily.

The Right Portion

Too much of a great thing is actually quite bad. A standard pizza slice is about 300 calories, which is rather acceptable. However, if you push beyond this threshold and move to the second or third slice, then your diet is in trouble. Instead, load some fibre-rich veggies which are filling and tasty all at once so that you don’t need to go for another slice. Might also be a good idea to go for a fresh, healthy side salad. You might also be wondering about a six-inch pizza, and whether it is a good replacement for a single slice- it isn’t. It is equivalent to two full slices. Know this before ordering pizza takeaway in Southbank.

Accompanying Beverages

Most people take their pizzas with a chilled soda or beer on the side, but these should be dropped if you’re looking to lose weight. There’s no doubt that the best accompaniment is water, but you could go for fruit juices as well.

In the end, if you’re craving a slice of pizza, go for it. Call a pizza takeaway nearest to your place in Southbank and have a slice sent over. The calorie intake really isn’t out of the ordinary, as long as you are able to limit yourself to a single slice. Pizza isn’t forbidden fruit at all- there’s a world of possibilities waiting for you.

The Ever-Growing Popularity of Italian Food

Over the years, Italian food has gained immense popularity worldwide, particularly, in the West. Most restaurants would love to include at least, one Italian item on their menus such as risotto, pizza, or even spaghetti. Italian dishes are created in diverse styles with some common ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, olive oil, wine, and cereals. Tomatoes are the most preferred and used vegetables and they are an integral part of Italian cuisine and they are regarded as both a fruit and a vegetable in Italy. You could enjoy authentic Italian food in your favourite restaurant in South Melbourne.

Did you ever come across anyone who does not like Italian food?

The answer is a vehement no. Italian food is loved and enjoyed by everyone as it has a universal appeal. People across the world enjoy Italian food.

Is there only one type of Italian Cuisine?

Every household, every town, every region in Italy actually, enjoys its own distinctive and unique style of cuisine. You could come across rustic and simple peasant fare in Tuscany. You could enjoy hard cheeses and stuffed pasta in Emilia-Romagna. Northern Italy is known for polenta, rice, and butter. However, in Southern Italy, you would never encounter butter. Food is prepared exclusively in olive oil. Some parts of the country use lots of tomatoes while others prefer to be seafood-centric. There is a wide diversity in Italian cuisine so there is something to suit every palate. Visit a reputed restaurant in South Melbourne if you wish to enjoy authentic Italian food.

What sorts of ingredients are used in Italian cuisine?

Italians focus on simple and fresh ingredients.  Italian food is known for its incredible diversity but there exists a unifying factor that is, they focus on local farm-fresh ingredients. Everyone loves Italian food not only because of their amazing taste but because of their health-boosting ingredients.

Has Italian food been given a twist ever?

Yes, classic Italian food has been customized to suit the American palate. There are certain Italian dishes that are famous worldwide but you would not find them in Italy. The most loved Spaghetti and meatballs is a fusion delight. Italians love both meatballs and spaghetti marinara but as separate dishes and are enjoyed as entirely separate courses. In the 1900s when Italian restaurateurs observed that Americans love eating meat with practically everything so they came up with the concept of Spaghetti and meatballs by combining two distinct courses. However, there are many Italian-American dishes which are similar to the dishes you would find in Italy. The red-sauce based Italian delicacy is entirely an American innovation.

Which is the most famous Italian dish? Why?

Pizza is the most popular and famous Italian dish. It is regarded as the tastiest of all food. You would never find anybody who does not like to have a Pizza bite. However, people choose different flavours, tastes, and certainly varying degree of toppings and cheese and thin or thick pizza crust as per their palate. Children, particularly, love pizza \for their delightfully cheesy gooeyness and the amazingly crunchy crust. Enjoy mouth-watering pizza at your nearest restaurant in South Melbourne.

What are the chief ingredients of Italian dishes?

All Italian ingredients are today readily available all over the world from Australia to the USA. Tomato sauce, pasta, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, basil, olive oil, shallots, garlic, etc. are some of the chief ingredients that go into the making of delectable Italian delicacies.

Make Every Occasion a Reason to Celebrate with Pizza

For all pizza lovers any occasion could be a wonderful opportunity for ordering pizza. Pizza is one food that is loved by one and all. Nobody would ever grudge you for offering pizza for any occasion. Any special occasion or event could become even more special and enjoyable if pizza is served for the guests to relish. Here are some special occasions that could be celebrated best with none other than pizzas.

Birthday Parties

No celebration is complete without the yummy pizza. One of the occasions, when pizza is in great demand, is a birthday party. You could order some delicious pizza for everybody irrespective of the number of invited guests. You could choose from a variety of crust types or toppings according to your taste buds. Get in touch with a reputed pizza takeaway in South Melbourne.

An Important Match or Game

Pizza is the most preferred food to enjoy while the big game is on. Pizza is always the right choice for any big sporting event you are enjoying on the television. Order some delicious pizzas if you are the host or you could carry something for everyone to eat.

Graduation Parties

Graduation party could really be a special occasion for you. However, it could get pretty expensive. It is better to order pizza to celebrate your wonderful achievement as pizza is one food you simply cannot go wrong with. It is loved by everyone and it is affordable. It is always a great idea to choose pizza over the unnecessarily expensive catered meal. Order your favourite pizza from a well-known pizza takeaway in South Melbourne.

Wedding Receptions

Your wedding is the most special event in your life. You would love to celebrate this happy occasion with your loved ones. Obviously, you need to provide a fulfilling meal to your friends and family who are invited to grace the occasion. It could be a pretty expensive affair if you try to organise a full-fledged meal. Instead, you could order everybody’s hot favourite pizza to keep the expenses within your budget and let everyone have a fantastic culinary experience.

Family Get-Togethers

Family get-togethers and reunions are the best things to happen as they are instrumental in bringing together all your near and dear ones. It sometimes feels quite unfair when some family members need to devote all the time fixing a meal for everyone else. It is, therefore, a smart idea to order some pizza so that nobody is left to slog in the kitchen. Now everyone can join in the fun equally and have a gala time. Now make your family reunions even more enjoyable and happy by ordering some pizzas with your favourite toppings from a famous pizza takeaway in South Melbourne.

Move In Time

If you have just shifted to a new house, you know how hard it is to reorganize everything in the household front on your own. You must have been slogging for days packing your household stuff. Now you need to devote a lot of time into unpacking all those boxes and setting up your new home. You need to organise everything in the kitchen including the pans, pots and the dishes. It is better to order a yummy and truly fulfilling pizza from your favourite pizzeria.

Reasons Why Kids Love to Have Pizza?

Pizza is loved by kids because it is incredibly delicious and most of them feel that pizza is the best food they have ever had. In reality, pizza is so yummy that a single slice is more than enough to convince little kids that no other food could be as good as or better than the truly mouth-watering pizza. Frankly speaking, pizza tastes delicious to every child because it contains everything a kid could be wanting in his food. Let your child enjoy the truly yummy and healthy pizza that is available in Port Melbourne.

Melted Cheese:  Babies have a longing for milk. Doctors would know the scientific reasons behind this fact. Cheese is made from milk and so there is an instant connection. Children are in love with cheese and for them, it is the best ingredient. Most children are really excited with the melting of cheese as that truly doubles the deliciousness of cheese. At least, that’s what children feel although this fact is yet to be scientifically established. Melted cheese is every kid’s favourite food and pizza topped with melted Margherita cheese certainly is the best food for any kid in the world.

Sauce: Most food connoisseurs have yet to figure out why small kids do not enjoy eating tomatoes yet they simply love tomato sauce. Maybe that is because of the spices that go into the making of a tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is certainly an indispensable feature of any pizza.  The magical mix of the crust along with melted cheese and tomato sauce could beat all other culinary experiences. Nothing could ever match the delightful pizza experience, as far as, kids are concerned. Enjoy a wonderful variety of traditional Italian pizza in Port Melbourne.

Crust: Children like bread. They love it particularly if it is chewy and thick with super crispy edges. They would love it even more provided it is topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. So that explains their fascination or perhaps obsession with pizza.

Toppings: Between the ages of six and eleven children are craving for more independence. Every attempt made by them to claim their freedom such as purchasing their own clothes, borrowing the car or even voting is in reality, thwarted, excepting one. Children are free to actually choose pizza toppings and they are truly thrilled by the choices that are available to them.

Some Health Benefits of Pizza that Cannot Be Undermined

Most parents think that if a food tastes amazing, then something must be really bad for their children. But fortunately, pizza could be proved to be an exception to this assumption.

Tomato Sauce: We all know that tomato sauce is actually made from fresh and ripe tomatoes. And all of us are fully aware that tomatoes are healthy. They are red too. What makes tomatoes red? Lycopenes. These are supposed to be pretty strong antioxidants which Italian scientists claim could be helpful in preventing certain kinds of cancer.

Cheese: We all know that cheese is actually made of milk. You obviously, know that milk contains calcium. And calcium is great for strengthening bones. That is primarily the reason why babies drink milk.

Dough:  Grains are regarded as fundamental to a healthy diet worldwide. The dough contains grains. It is also known to contain antioxidants.  Pizzas that come with a whole wheat crust are known to provide a greater health boost.

Toppings: Pizza toppings surely serve to be the best way of tricking your kids into consuming vegetables, even the ones they seem to dislike. Pizza toppings contain vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, olives, and jalapenos. Nowadays meat lovers are forgoing the sausage and pepperoni and opting for the leaner alternatives such as chicken. So, what are you waiting for? It is time to enjoy a healthy and yummy pizza in Port Melbourne with your kids!

6 Amazing Tips on How to Make Italian Dishes Healthy and Tasty

Are you looking for a cuisine, which can be fulfilling for your tummy, yet would not make you feel heavy? If yes, you must visit the popular restaurants in Southbank and try Italian food. You can also try making Italian dishes at your own kitchen. The flavours of various Italian dishes like, Pizza, Pasta, Risotto and Italian salads would surely make you want more! While making the dishes delicious, the reputed Italian chefs always keep the health of the customers in their mind. As a result, they follow certain guidelines that make the preparations authentic, healthy, and tasty at the same time.

In this blog, let me discuss with you certain tips that can make the Italian dishes sumptuous and also, perfect for your well-being.

The Pasta Should Never Be Overdone

If you are making pasta, do not empty the whole pack into the bowl and end up cooking more than you can eat. Ideally, you should use 120 grams of pasta for one person. Also, pasta should never be overcooked and made too soft. ‘Firm to the bite’ or ‘al dente’ pasta’ is perfect for satisfying your hunger and keeping you light simultaneously.

Use Different Seasonal Ingredients

You must make the habit of using as much seasonal ingredients as possible in cooking Italian dishes. This can make your cooking more authentic because the traditional Italian diet includes various fresh produce in large quantities. Apart from adding a fresh flavour, the seasonal ingredients can lower the use of salt, sugar or fat, in order to enhance the taste. Thus, the use of fresh ingredients can surely make your diet more nutritious.

Make Preparations of Fish

Fish is an important part of the Italian diet and dishes made from fish are excellent in taste. Fish that are high in nutrients, such as shellfish are generally used in Italian cooking.

Use the Right Oil for Cooking

If you want your dishes to taste like, the Italian food served at restaurants in Southbank, you must switch to high-quality olive oil. Olive oil is not only a healthier option than other cooking oils, but is also better than margarine or butter.

Mind the Amount of Sauce You are Using

Italian food is never drowned in sauce. Rather, they are just lightly coated, with a layer of sauce. Using too much sauce can do nothing other than increasing the content of calorie and fat. If you are on a diet, try not to use tube-shaped pastas, such as penne and rigatoni because they soak up quite a lot of sauce.

Use Gremolata on the Dishes

If you have made grilled fish or steak, you can use gremolata to flavour it, instead of sauce. Gremolata consists of lemon zest, fresh parsley and finely-chopped garlic and is a special Italian garnish.

These guidelines are always used for making Italian food in Southbank. You too must follow these tips, if you want people to lick their fingers, after having the healthy and delicious Italian food that you cook.

Your Love for Pizza Continues

To most people, pizza is a lot more than just a food item. It is an experience, an emotion, a whole panorama of flavours and feelings in cheesy, beautiful wrapping. The love of pizza has united millions all over the world, and has led to a whole day being set aside each year to celebrate the divinity of this magnificent slice of heaven- February 9th is Pizza Day! People living in South Melbourne order ridiculous amounts of pizza takeaway every year, and for good reason.

There really is something wonderful about pizza. The crispy crust, the melted cheese, amazingly diverse toppings and tomato sauce- what’s not to like, and what could possibly be better? It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, midnight meals, brunch, or even a giant snack. There is no wrong topping, no wrong type, and above all, no wrong time for a pizza. Here are some things everyone adores about pizza.

#1- Readily Available

Getting pizza isn’t an odious, difficult task at all. You don’t even realistically need to leave your couch. Pick up your phone, call any pizza takeaway service in South Melbourne, and they’ll deliver it at your doorstep in a ridiculously short time.

#2- Diversity

There are tons and tons of different types of pizza. Meat lovers’, thin crust, Chicago-style, vegan, vegetarian, classic cheese- there is no end to the variety, and it is incredible. You could literally find a new type of pizza on every street corner, and eat a whole new pizza each day and still live a long, happy life.

#3- Full Meal or a Snack- You Choose

Even if you don’t feel like going all out and eating a full meal, just pull out a slice and enjoy it as a snack! You could always have the rest later. There is, of course, always the option of you eating an entire pizza or even two to prove a point or just to fulfil all your gastronomic desires.

#4- Goes with Everything

Any and all toppings taste great on pizza. This bed of bread, cheese, and sauce is tremendously accepting, whether you favour meat or pineapples. You are limited only by your imagination.

#5- Hot or Cold, Delicious Always

No one can deny the fact that pizza is immortal- the leftovers from last night still taste great if you eat them for breakfast today! It doesn’t need to be warmed up and tastes just fine if it is cold. Pizza is universal, and just a gift from the heavens.

#6- Brings People Together

Pizza is wonderful because it is a truly social food. It is perfect for a casual night in with your group of friends, a few cold drinks and a game or a movie on the telly!

#7- The Answer to All Your Carbs Cravings

If you’re looking for a load of delicious, heavy carbohydrates after a long, stressful day, pizza is there for you. Forever!

#8- Comfort Food

Pizza is the ultimate comfort food. After a long and stressful day, you may just want to disconnect from the world and stuff your face with cheesy goodness- pizza doesn’t judge.

Pizza is incredible, a phenomenon on the plate and in the heart, truly one of the most diverse and brilliant food items all over the world. Don’t think about it, don’t wait. If you want pizza, call your favourite pizza takeaway service in South Melbourne today.

6 Mind-blowing Pizza Toppings to Savour

Savouring the taste of a pizza once in a while is quite a thing, especially if it has your preferred topping. You can order any topping of your choice and enjoy a bite of the most delicious pizza prepared at the nearest pizza corner.  You can visit a restaurant in South Melbourne to order a pizza with your favourite topping.

Know more about the various toppings that are liked most by Pizza lovers.

# Mushrooms

Whether you are a veggie or not, does not really matter when taste takes an upper- hand. Some of the most self-proclaimed non-vegetarians appreciate the taste of a pizza with mushroom toppings. With taste oozing out of the food, each bite will reflect the hard work and creativity that went into making the world’s first mushroom-topped pizza.

# Pepperoni

If beef and cured pork are okay, you can opt for pepperoni pizza. This is my personal favourite. Trust me! It is the complete package of a food. Mixed with cheese, jalapeño, bell peppers and the right amount of herbs sprinkled over it, the pepperoni pizza is quite a hit among pizza lovers.

# Sausage

A sausage-topped pizza made with love and care is bound to claim the sands under your feet. Add herbs and cheese to make the food a scintillating assault on the taste buds. A dash of the most suitable sauces – if you want – and a full-on appetite can make your day.

# Onions

Are you a die-hard vegan? No meat, nothing? In that case, the onion topped pizza is probably the right pizza for you. The restaurant in South Melbourne you visit to order your pizza may also offer home deliveries. Make a query before you travel all the way to the outlet. If you have guests at home and want to eat the pizza in the relaxed atmosphere of your home, what can be better than a home delivery?

# Extra cheese

Some of us simply do not want any other thing except cheese. Sausage, salami, veggies and pepperoni are mere distractions for such people. What we actually want is not a shared topping, but pure and pristine cheese as the topping on our pizzas. It is, however, often the fear of growing fat which makes us order the toppings; but from heart, we are cheese lovers.

# Black olives

If you are indeed an Italian cuisine lover, you will miss the presence of black olive on your pizza. Olive renders a tinge of freshness to the food making you ask for more even if you are full. It is the slightly sour taste of the fruit, which makes it such a favourite among the pizza fans (ardent Italian food fans).

These are some of the most demanded toppings among food lovers, rather Pizza fans. A restaurant in South Melbourne offering pizzas is just the thing you need to refresh your mind. Add the right topping to it and it becomes a meal worth enjoying whether with friends or alone.

Some Smart Risotto Tips for the Italian Food Enthusiast

Risotto is one of the most popular Italian dishes and you would find it on the menu of every reputed restaurant serving Italian food in South Bank. However, risotto is also a very difficult dish and only top of the line chefs could master the dish. For the Italian food enthusiasts, a visit to the restaurant is incomplete if they do not have risotto. People try to cook a risotto at home but it is never so perfect and amazing like the one you would enjoy in any good restaurant serving Italian food in South Bank.  Here are some of the most common risotto mistakes.

Texture Is Really Important

You need to remember that the success of this dish depends on its perfect texture and consistency. It simply cannot be too thick or too runny. It should be runny enough to spread but it needs to stay firmly together. It should not be too thick so that it does not start looking like the sticky rice. The texture is very much the result of the quantity of chicken stock added and soaked up by the rice. If you make the mistake of adding too much stock and do not give enough time for the rice to absorb the stock completely, you would be creating a runny mess. If you, on the other hand, add too little stock or overcook the dish then you would land up with an undesirable blob of risotto. Once you add the chicken stock, keep on stirring till you get the right texture.

Stirring Is Important

You must not forget to stir the risotto. This dish should be cooked with a tremendous amount of care and tender love. You simply cannot cook it like the way you cook ordinary rice. Every time the chicken stock is added to your Arborio rice, it is essential to stir and keep on stirring till the stock is fully absorbed by the rice. You must go on adding the chicken stock and continue stirring till you get a fantastic creamy texture.

Use the Correct Ingredients

Stick to using the conventional ingredients while making a risotto. You must not deviate from the classic combination comprising onions, olive oil, chicken stock, white wine, Arborio rice, Parmesan cheese and butter for a spectacular dish. You could, however, substitute white wine with red wine, onions with shallots etc. You may add shrimp, scallops, lobster, and crab. Those with an inclination for veggies could opt for spinach, mushrooms, peas, asparagus and tomatoes.

Toasting the Rice Is the Key

Toast the golden rice to perfection but be careful. Do not burn it while toasting. This is an important step. If you burn the rice, your risotto would taste awful. If you do not toast it enough, the dish would lose its vitality. Toast the rice to a nice golden brown before adding the white wine for deglazing the pan. The rice should be toasted for approx. three to four minutes.

Timing Is Vital

You need to be patient if you wish to get the perfect risotto dish. It would be taking around 30 minutes. Your risotto would be a success if you add the right ingredients in the right order. You must cook the dish with patience, love and care just the way it is done in any top restaurant serving Italian food in Southbank.