This is one of my favourite rice dishes. Nutritious, economical, versatile and easy to prepare, the soft, creamy texture of this northern Italian classic makes it the perfect comfort food. Basically, it consists of Italian short grain rice gently simmered and stirred until it absorbs its flavoursome cooking liquid. Different meats, fish and vegetables can be added to vary the dish as you wish.

To achieve the correct consistency, always use a good risotto rice, such as arborio. You will need a large, heavy saucepan, preferably with a rounded bottom to prevent the rice sticking at the corners, and a wooden spoon for stirring. The heat should be kept constant and moderate. If risotto cooks too quickly, the rice will be too soft and ‘chalky’, and if it cooks too slowly, it will have a sticky, glutinous texture. Keep the stock simmering, so that it is always hot when you add it, to avoid any temperature variations while cooking.