The following is a sponsored post on behalf of Flavor Your Life, Le Stagioni d’ Italia Olive Oil, and Moms Meet. Opinions expressed are that of my own. FYI, through determination and experimentation I figured out how to make a Creamy Risotto Recipe.

So long story short, I had never made a Risotto recipe from scratch before the pandemic began. I have always liked the flavor and the texture when I had it at restaurants, but just never had the time to experiment with it.
I thought risotto was going to be a lot more difficult versus traditional rice, and I wasn’t even sure what I needed.
First I went to the internet to research what was in a traditional recipe and found out that a regular long grain rice was not going to get the job done, it required a special type.

On my next grocery trip, I picked up what I needed and attempted the mushroom recipe on the back of the package, and to be honest my kids were not impressed.
However, I was determined to get it right since I knew this could be a dish that we could substitute in for some of our usual sides.
On my second attempt, I used Sour Cream instead of wine. Side note: I use Sour Cream in my homemade Mac and Cheese and Alfredo, so I figured it would work with this dish and guess what? it did which then became by my Creamy Risotto.

When I was sent Le Stagioni d’ Italia 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil along with Carnaroli Rice as part of the Flavor Your Life campaign, I decided to be even more adventurous and try a new variation of my Creamy Risotto.
Of course I needed to experiment before I actually prepared it with a meal, so I gave it a test run.
My kids were the tasters and they gobbled it up as a snack. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is definitely the way to go in the future.

If you would like to recreate my Creamy Risotto with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you will need the following:
3 Cups of Chicken Broth
1 Cup of Carnaroli Rice
2 tbsp of Le Stagioni d’ Italia 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 Cup of Sour Cream
1/2 tsp of Dried Italian Seasoning (Basil, Oregano, Parsley, and Thyme)
1/4 tsp of Garlic Powder

Directions:
First, bring 3 cups of Chicken Broth to a boil in a sauce pan. Then add in the 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Next, proceed to adding in all of the rest of the ingredients while reducing the temperature to simmer. Once the boil calms, make sure the ingredients are completely combined by stirring with a spoon. Then, cover for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. When finished, remove from the heat and allow it to stand for 5 minutes and then again stir. This serves approximately 5 to 6 as a side.

This can be on the side of your family’s plate in the place of traditional rice, pasta, or even potatoes. I am planning on substituting it in for grits and serving Shrimp over top.
About the Flavor Your Life campaign:
Flavor Your Life is empowering consumers by educating them about the rich history and delicious properties of European extra virgin olive oil as well as sharing the culinary culture that’s been harvested in Europe for generations.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made by pressing olive oil, without heat or chemicals and is known as the first cold pressed olive oil. Olive oils are tested for peroxide values, and lower values indicate fresher oil and extra virgin olive oil is virtually free of acidity. Check out these other recipes with 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
To determine the quality, a panel of trained experts taste for defects and the presence of positive attributes of fruitiness, bitterness, and spiciness. If the oil doesn’t have the signature fruity taste and harmonious balance, it won’t receive an Extra Virgin rating.
Le Stagioni d’ Italia 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil is harvested in Italy, it is vegan, gluten free, and contains no additives or preservatives.

Did you know that extra virgin olive oil has a high smoking point of 400°F? This means that it is suitable for cooking and baking. I can attest to this because it not only made my Risotto taste great, but it also created an awesome fried egg.
Le Stagioni d’ Italia is said to have a robust flavor of artichoke and almond, with a medium bitter and spicy aftertaste, as well as a green, ripe, fruity aroma with a leafy feel. This 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil typically retails for $19.99 for a 500 mL bottle and can be found nationwide at Grocery Outlet.
I hope you enjoy my Creamy Risotto and the next time you shop, be sure to pick up 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Carlee @ FLL
Comments