- 75g/3oz unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 125ml/4fl oz vermouth
- 200g/8oz carnaroli rice
- 400-450ml/14-16fl oz lightly flavoured chicken stock
- 3-4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
- salt and freshly ground white pepper
- Heat 40g/1½oz of the butter in a deep, heavy-based pan and gently fry the onion until softened, but not coloured.
- Meanwhile heat the stock in a separate saucepan. Add the vermouth to the onions, turn up the heat and reduce until almost evaporated.
- Add the rice and, stirring vigorously using a sturdy wooden spoon, allow the rice to become shiny with butter before adding a ladle of hot stock. Continuing to stir vigorously and let the rice absorb the stock before adding another ladleful.
- Remove the risotto from the heat when the rice is becoming tender, but is still sloppy and dropping consistency. Cover with a lid and set aside for three minutes.
- Stir in two tablespoons of cheese and the remaining butter. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground white pepper and vigorously beat the rice with a wooden spoon until slick and glossy; it should easily fall back on itself when lifted.
- Spoon onto hot plates and take extra parmesan to the dinner table.