Sweet Corn Risotto Recipe

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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Sweet Corn Risotto. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh corn, all wrapped up in the luscious texture that only perfectly cooked risotto can deliver. This recipe blends simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that’s both elegant enough for guests and cozy enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you try Sweet Corn Risotto, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite ways to celebrate the late summer harvest or brighten any chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Corn Risotto recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in building its rich flavor and inviting texture. From the natural sweetness of fresh corn to the creamy tang of Parmesan, every item here adds a special touch to the final dish.

• 3 corn cobs: Fresh corn is the star, with kernels cut off for sweetness and the cobs simmered to infuse the broth with extra corn flavor.
• ½ small sweet onion: Adds gentle onion sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 3 Tbsp salted butter, divided: Used for sautéing and finishing, butter brings silkiness and richness.
• 1 ½ cups arborio rice: The creamy foundation of risotto that absorbs flavors beautifully while staying delightfully chewy.
• ¼ cup white wine*: Adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness and enhances depth.
• 5 cups vegetable broth: The liquid base made extra flavorful by simmering with corn cobs.
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Melted in at the end to boost savory richness and create a velvety finish.

How to Make Sweet Corn Risotto

Step 1: Prepping Corn and Onion

Start by cutting the corn kernels off their cobs and then slice the bare cobs in half. Dice the sweet onion finely. These simple prep steps will ensure that the corn’s fresh sweetness shines through in every bite, while the onion provides that essential base flavor.

Step 2: Simmer Corn Cobs and Broth

Add the halved corn cobs to a pot with the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. This step extracts every bit of delicious corn essence into the broth, which will become the heart of your risotto’s flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced onion. Cook it down until it’s glossy and soft, releasing its sweetness and aroma. This builds a flavorful foundation that balances the corn’s natural sugars.

Step 4: Toast the Arborio Rice

Stir the arborio rice into the buttery onion and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting helps the rice absorb liquid later without turning mushy, creating that signature risotto bite.

Step 5: Add Fresh Corn

Mix in the fresh corn kernels and cook for an additional minute. This infuses the kernels’ sweetness straight into the rice, preparing it to absorb the broth’s flavor.

Step 6: Pour in White Wine and Reduce

Pour the white wine into the pan and cook it down until mostly evaporated. This layer of acidity brightens the risotto’s richness, balancing the sweet and creamy elements.

Step 7: Slowly Add Broth and Stir

Begin adding one ladle of the hot corn-infused broth at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the rice has absorbed about three-quarters of the liquid before adding the next ladle. This gradual process, which takes around 20 minutes, coax the rice into releasing its creamy starches and melding the flavors beautifully.

Step 8: Finish with Butter and Parmesan

Once all the broth has been absorbed and the risotto is perfectly creamy, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the shredded Parmesan cheese. This final touch ensures the Sweet Corn Risotto is silky, rich, and incredibly comforting.

How to Serve Sweet Corn Risotto

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a light herbal note that cuts through the dish’s richness. You can also add a little extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a glossy, inviting finish.

Side Dishes

Sweet Corn Risotto pairs wonderfully with simple grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad, providing contrast to its creamy texture. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside roasted chicken or pan-seared fish, which complement the risotto’s mellow sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, spoon the risotto into warmed bowls and top with a few tender corn kernels left aside during cooking. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests, or serve in small cups as an appetizer at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sweet Corn Risotto tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen with time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Because risotto is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is not ideal as the texture can become grainy after thawing. If you must freeze, do so in airtight containers and use within one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy texture. Stir frequently until warmed through—this will bring back the risotto’s luxurious mouthfeel without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn cobs?

While fresh corn offers the best flavor and texture, frozen corn can be a convenient substitute. Just note that you won’t have the corn cobs to simmer in the broth, so consider enhancing the broth with a pinch of sugar or corn extract to boost sweetness.

Is it necessary to use arborio rice?

Yes, arborio rice is key for creamy risotto since its high starch content allows for that signature silky texture. Other rice types won’t yield the same luscious consistency.

What if I don’t want to use white wine?

If you prefer to skip the wine, substitute with an equal amount of additional vegetable broth and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to mimic that mild acidity and brightness.

Can this Sweet Corn Risotto be made vegan?

Absolutely! Replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and swap Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor.

How do I know when the risotto is perfectly cooked?

The rice should be tender to the bite but still have a slight firmness in the center—neither crunchy nor mushy. The mixture should be creamy and gently flowing when spooned.

Final Thoughts

Making Sweet Corn Risotto is like inviting a little celebration of fresh, simple ingredients to your dinner table. It’s a dish that rewards patience and care with every creamy spoonful, delivering comfort and brightness all at once. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a delicious way to turn everyday ingredients into something truly special that everyone will love.

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