Dinner Question - Fair Oaks,CA

Risotto is made with arborio or carnoroli rices (high starch, short grain). The rice is toasted, then cooked to a creamy consistency by adding broth or stock in increments. Stock is added, then when it's absorbed, more is added, and so on. Vegetables can be added, as well as parmigiano cheese, and butter, etc. The word risotto refers to the finished dish, not the rice itself..

Actually, orzotto is a risotto-like dish, except it's made with barley instead of rice. But the technique is similar. Barley, toasted, cooked slowly with incremental additions of stock, etc.

Orzo is the Italian word for barley. We use it to refer to the short little pasta shapes that closely resemble rice or barley.

You can also toast orzo in a little olive oil, until it turns a very light golden color, then put it in salted water and cook it like pasta. It takes on a delicious flavor.

Yes risotto can come in a box. I find them in the health food section. Orzotto I believe is different, but I don't remember how. I know I've seen Giada cook them both on her cooking show. Look up the FoodNetwork.com and it may have on there what the difference is. :-D

Orzo is a small rice shaped pasta. Risotto is made with arborio rice.

Risotto is fairly easy, but takes a bit of time. You must slowly stir in the cooking liquid. Usually broth of some kind

Look up some recipes online. It doesn't have to be complicated to taste good.

Good luck!

Irene is right on the difference between Orzo and Risotto. As for cooking the risotto - if it is from a box, check the recipe on the box. The boxes are much easier than cooking from scratch, and typically only require water, and a bit of oil. And only require stirring once or twice after the water boils.

I think it is that risotto has to be cooked with your liquid addes incrementally so it will soak into the risotto. The end product is like a gloopy rice and is delicious! I don't cook it very often b/c it is a pain to make and high calorie. I think orzo is rice shaped pasta that you boil and strain and then add your sauce or flavoring to.

Risotto sometimes comes in a box and sometimes a bag.