Chicken or vege stock: 1.5 quarts, Butter: 3-4 tablespoons, Large shallot, finely chopped: 1, Onion, finely chopped: 0.5, Risotto rice: 3 cups, Dry white wine: 5 ounces, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: , Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (cheese):
1Bring the stock to a simmer in a large saucepan and keep it simmering gently Whithorn easy reach.
2In a separate, medium-sized Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes, until they are soft and translucent. Add the rice and stir to combine it with the butter, shallot, and onion, coating and toasting each grain thoroughly. Cook for 2 minutes more, then add the wine, stirring it into the rice. Keep stirring until the wine has been almost completely absorbed.
3Now add the first ladle of stock- enough to just cover the rice — and season with salt, then reduce the heat a little. Keep stirring often so that the rice doesn't stick. (Note: You don't want the heat too high, where it becomes gummy. )
4Keep adding the stock as the rice absorbs it, a ladle at a time and then in decreasing quantities, until the rice is cooked, stirring gently and continuously throughout. It should take about 20 minutes, sometimes a little longer, depending on the rice. When it's done, the rice grains should be al dente and the risotto itself should have a creamy, giving texture. It should not be wet.
5Remove the risotto from the heat and season with salt and pepper. Then add the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons butter and the parmigiano and stir well to combine.