Is risotto 'over'?

[Jenise]

My Trader Joe's (one of the top 20 for customer traffic in the nation, so a reasonable barometer) no longer carries arborio rice! I'm shocked--it's a staple, not a specialty item! Or so I would think.

But on my last visit I did discover, and this might be related, ground fresh cauliflower 'rice' in the produce section. Maybe the anti-carb movement is taking it's toll.

Wow - I wonder if it's a temporary thing at your TJ?

My plan tonight is to make risotto with fresh favas, porcini, and crisply prosciutto.

Good homemade risotto will never be over. You may just have to buy a lifetime supply of arborio rice at Costco. Much of the junk that is sold as risotto can be over anytime as far as I'm concerned.

[Jenise]

Good homemade risotto will never be over. You may just have to buy a lifetime supply of arborio rice at Costco. Much of the junk that is sold as risotto can be over anytime as far as I'm concerned.

Agreed completely! That's why I was so surprised to not find it there. In my town, TJ's is my go-to source for basics like rice.

[Jenise]

Okay, so yesterday I inquired at our Trader Joe's about the status of arborio rice, and it's true! Nationwide, Trader Joe's no longer carries plain arborio. Just a kit for a mushroom-herb risotto.

Okay, so yesterday I inquired at our Trader Joe's about the status of arborio rice, and it's true! Nationwide, Trader Joe's no longer carries plain arborio. Just a kit for a mushroom-herb risotto.

Wow. Interesting. Obviously they were led that direction because of sales data, but I wonder if that reflects a broader trend away from trying to cook/cooking risotto, or if people are buying their rice elsewhere. Probably the former. Wouldn't have thought it.

[Jenise]

The store manager said there was a supplier issue but added, in a tone of voice that implied that he would know if it were otherwise, that he was unaware of any plans afoot to find another.

My only problem with risotto is (the opposite of my issue with foie gras) that there is almost always too much!

If you are going to have it AS a meal, fine, but too many times you are served with enough to feed a hungry horde, as a course in a progression of courses at a dinner. IMHO, a half cup is adequate for a nice intermediate course....

[Jenise]

My only problem with risotto is (the opposite of my issue with foie gras) that there is almost always too much!

If you are going to have it AS a meal, fine, but too many times you are served with enough to feed a hungry horde, as a course in a progression of courses at a dinner. IMHO, a half cup is adequate for a nice intermediate course....

I agree with the half cup idea but at the same time can add that I don't remember ever being overserved. What I mostly remember is why I generally avoid ordering risotto in restaurants. The extent to which they precook it pretty much ruins what would otherwise be exquisite if prepared from scratch and served immediately.