Worth Every Stir

There are few things in cooking more satisfying than a properly made risotto. It has a reputation for being difficult, but the truth is it just needs your attention, and honestly, that’s half the appeal. Standing at the stove, adding stock ladle by ladle, watching it slowly transform into something silky and rich is one of my favourite ways to spend twenty minutes. I’ve been making risotto for nearly thirty years and the love has never faded. From a classic mushroom to a bright lemon and salmon, from butternut squash with goats cheese to tenderstem broccoli and gruyere, there’s a risotto for every season and every mood.

Rice earns its place here too, and not as an afterthought. A beautifully fragrant saffron rice, a well-seasoned pilaf, or a perfectly cooked side can be just as transformative as whatever it’s sitting next to. Rice is one of those quietly essential ingredients that holds entire cuisines together, and these recipes treat it with the respect it deserves. Whether you’re after weeknight comfort or something worth showing off, this collection has you covered.