Tomato Risotto with a twist
Tomato Risotto with a twist is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Hilltop Recipes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $7.48 total, $1.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing and brushing tomatoes)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1 cup Arborio Rice (risotto rice, rinsed quickly)
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium, kept warm)
- 1 cup Tomato Puree (canned or freshly blended tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (ground)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 ball Burrata Cheese (about 125 g, torn into pieces)
- 2 medium Fresh Tomatoes (halved, for charring)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, press the garlic, halve the fresh tomatoes, measure broth, puree and cheese. Keep the broth warm on a low simmer.
Time: PT10M
Char the Tomatoes
Preheat the oven’s broiler. Brush the tomato halves with a little olive oil, place cut‑side up on a broiler pan and broil for 4‑5 minutes until the skins blister and darken. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Broiler (high)
Sauté Onion
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until softened but not browned.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Garlic and Rice
Stir in the pressed garlic and Arborio rice. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to toast the rice lightly.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Incorporate Tomato Puree and First Broth
Add 1 cup tomato puree and 1 cup warm vegetable broth. Sprinkle in oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 2 minutes until the mixture is well combined.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Gradual Broth Addition
Add the remaining broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 15‑20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: Medium‑low heat
Finish with Parmesan
Turn the heat off. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the risotto becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Time: PT1M
Plate and Garnish
Spoon the risotto into serving bowls. Top each portion with the charred tomato halves and generous pieces of burrata. Drizzle a little extra‑virgin olive oil and serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: shallot, red onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Arborio Rice: Carnaroli rice, short‑grain rice
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: chicken broth, water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Tomato Puree: crushed tomatoes, passata
- Instead of Dried Oregano: fresh oregano (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Burrata Cheese: fresh mozzarella
- Instead of Fresh Tomatoes: canned roasted tomatoes (drained)
Equipment Needed
- Large Saucepan or Deep Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Ladle
- Microplane or Box Grater
- Broiler Pan or Grill Pan
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Char the tomatoes
- Gradually add broth while stirring
- Finish with Parmesan off the heat
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly made vegetable broth for the best flavor
- A splash of dry white wine can be added after toasting the rice for extra depth
- Finish with a drizzle of high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for shine
Troubleshooting
Risotto is too watery
Continue cooking uncovered, stirring, until excess liquid evaporates. Add a little more grated cheese for creaminess.
Rice is still firm (undercooked)
Add additional warm broth a few tablespoons at a time, stirring until the rice reaches al dente.
Burrata melts too quickly and loses shape
Add the burrata just before serving and let it sit for a minute; the residual heat will soften it without turning it into a runny sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture of the cheese may change. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Char the tomatoes up to a day ahead and store in the fridge
- Keep the broth warm in a separate pot so you can add it quickly
- Grate the Parmesan in advance and keep sealed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata in Italian cuisine?
Risotto is a classic Northern Italian comfort dish, traditionally made with Arborio rice and broth. Adding fresh tomatoes and burrata reflects a modern, summer‑time twist that celebrates Italy’s love of bright, seasonal produce and creamy cheeses.
What are the traditional regional variations of tomato‑based risotto in Italy?
In the Veneto and Lombardy regions, chefs often incorporate tomato puree or fresh tomatoes into risotto, sometimes pairing it with seafood or sausage. In Sicily, a similar dish may include eggplant and a topping of fresh mozzarella or ricotta.
How is Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata traditionally served in Italy?
It is typically served hot, directly from the pan, topped with a generous piece of fresh cheese like burrata or mozzarella and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. It is often accompanied by a light green salad and a glass of crisp white wine.
What occasions or celebrations is Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
While risotto is a staple for everyday meals, a richer version with burrata is often prepared for family gatherings, weekend lunches, or special summer celebrations when fresh tomatoes are at their peak.
How does Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the Italian principle of letting a few high‑quality ingredients shine. The creamy rice base, bright tomato flavor, and luxurious burrata together showcase the balance of texture and taste central to Italian cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Arborio rice, vegetable broth, fresh tomato puree, dried oregano, Parmesan, and burrata. Acceptable substitutes are Carnaroli rice, chicken broth (if not vegetarian), crushed tomatoes, Pecorino Romano, or fresh mozzarella in place of burrata.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata?
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled asparagus, or a side of sautéed mushrooms complement the richness. For protein, grilled chicken or seared sea bass works nicely.
What makes Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata special or unique in Italian cuisine?
The combination of smoky, charred tomatoes with the silky, buttery burrata adds a contrast of flavors and textures not found in classic risotto, creating a dish that feels both rustic and indulgent.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata?
Common errors include adding cold broth, which stops the cooking process; stirring too aggressively, which can break the rice grains; and overcooking the burrata, which makes it lose its creamy center. Follow the gradual broth addition and add the cheese off the heat.
Why does this Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata recipe use gradual broth addition instead of a single large pour?
Gradual addition allows the rice to release its starch slowly, creating the signature creamy texture of risotto. Adding all the liquid at once would result in a soupy, unevenly cooked dish.
Can I make Tomato Risotto with Charred Tomatoes and Burrata ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. You can prepare the risotto up to the Parmesan stage, cool it quickly, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth and add fresh burrata just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes specializes in approachable, home‑cooked meals that blend classic techniques with modern twists, focusing on comfort foods, family‑friendly dishes, and seasonal ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Hilltop Recipes emphasizes simplicity and everyday ingredients, often showing how to elevate pantry staples with fresh produce and minimal equipment, whereas many other Italian channels focus on more elaborate, restaurant‑style preparations.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
