Originally from Northern Italy, risotto is a traditional rice dish slowly cooked with broth for a creamy consistency.

One of the most common questions about risotto is if the dish is gluten-free.

Most of the time.

a recipe photo of the Basic Risotto served in a bowl

Photo: Alexander Shytsman

Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Pictured Recipe:Basic Risotto

What Is a Gluten-Free Diet?

A gluten-free diet excludes gluten and gluten-containing products.

Those diagnosed with celiac disease, an immune reaction to consuming gluten, must avoid gluten.

The presence of gluten in a dish isn’t always obvious.

When Can Risotto Contain Gluten?

First, you’re gonna wanna look at the broth used to cook the risotto.

While broth is typically gluten-free, bouillon stock cubes can contain flavorings and preservatives that have gluten.

Is Risotto Healthy?

Risotto is not only delicious, but it also can be an incredible base for creating a nutrient-packed meal.

Many of your favorite vegetables, likemushrooms, peas and spinach, make tasty additions to risotto.

Risotto is also often made with cheese and butter, which are high in saturated fat.

Consider adding vegetables and lean protein to your risotto for more protein, vitamins and minerals.

Plus, what you add to your risotto also impacts its nutrition.

All that standing over the stove and stirring creates pretty incredible results.

Risotto is creamy and satisfying.

And it can be really healthy, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Risotto is not pasta.

Risotto is a hearty, creamy rice dish from Northern Italy that’s made with short-grain Italian rice.

While pasta is made from wheat containing gluten, risotto is made with naturally gluten-free rice.

All ricewhite, brown and wildis naturally gluten-free.

Rice can be susceptible to cross-contact, especially rice purchased in bulk bins at stores.

If you gotta avoid gluten, purchase bagged rice that is labeled gluten-free.

Typically risotto is made with butter and Parmesan cheese.