Risotto is one of my mother's favourite dishes, but up until recently, it wasn't one of mine. Being told by many television chefs that to make this dish, you must slowly add the stock, ladle by ladle, while continually stirring, seemed too much pfaff for the result. However, after making many variations for family lunch on Sunday for the past few weeks, and realising that this process doesn’t necessarily need to be followed to that painstaking degree, I have a newfound appreciation for this soul-warming dish.

Making risotto is a culinary journey that involves more than just the methodical combination of rice, stock, and ingredients. It's an emotional exploration, a dance of anticipation, patience, and satisfaction. If being philosophical, one could refer to the act of cooking risotto as a metaphor for life itself, it requires attention, care, and an openness to the unexpected. The joy of making risotto lies in the experience and the subtle transformation of simple ingredients into a dish that is as much about the process as it is about the final product - much like life.

When you embark on making risotto, you begin with the anticipation of creation. The mise en place, the French culinary term for "everything in its place," is the first step that sets the stage. As you gather your ingredients Arborio (or Carnaroli) rice, onions, garlic, celery (a welcomed addition I urge you to try), butter, white wine, stock, Parmesan cheese, and whatever additional flavours your heart desires—you are filled with a sense of purpose. This initial stage is akin to laying the groundwork for any great endeavour, where preparation becomes an act of love and dedication.

The emotions tied to chopping onions and garlic are rooted in the tactile experience. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the chopping board offers a therapeutic quality in the repetitive motions, and the sharp aromas will be felt in your eyes as much as your nostrils. This mindfulness when preparing the mise en place brings about a calming effect, similar to the satisfaction one finds in routine and familiarity.

As you begin to cook the onions, garlic, and celery in a generous Italian portion of olive oil, the kitchen fills with a rich, comforting aroma that stirs memories and evokes a sense of home. The sizzle when the first ingredients meet the heat and the gradual transformation from raw to translucent symbolises slow but steady progress. Cooking becomes an act of nurturing, both for yourself and those who will eventually partake in the final result.

Adding the rice to the pan introduces a new phase, one that requires more attention and care. Toasting the rice until it is slightly translucent at the edges is a crucial step that demands patience. The sensation of stirring the rice, feeling it absorb the remaining oil and become coated in a thin layer of the deliciousness emanating from the pan is deeply satisfying. It is here that you start to form a connection with the dish, sensing its potential and investing your effort into coaxing out its best qualities.

Pouring in the white wine and watching it jump in the pan and evaporate brings a moment of excitement and anticipation. The wine deglazes the pan, lifting those flavourful bits stuck to the bottom, and incorporating them into the rice. The smell of wine mingling with onions and rice is intoxicating, a prelude to the deeper flavours that are yet to come.

The gradual addition of stock to the rice is where the real magic happens. Chefs would suggest warming the stock first so as not to drop the temperature of the rice, but for convenience sake, Continental stock straight from the pantry gives just as good a result. This stage is marked by a rhythm, a delicate balance of adding just enough liquid to keep the rice submerged, but not so much that it becomes soupy. I feel that stirring the risotto continuously is not necessary, as long as you give it a generous mix after each welcomed addition of stock, and wait for the rice to soak up the liquid before adding the next. And, since the act of stirring is meditative, offering a practice in patience and presence, you will find it a joy standing at the stove with a wooden spoon in your hand. The more you make this dish, the more you become attuned to the subtle changes in texture and aroma, responding intuitively to the needs of the risotto.

The transformation from hard, opaque grains to soft, creamy risotto is a welcomed sign of patience and perseverance. As the risotto nears completion, you begin to add the finishing touches. A knob (or two) of butter and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese are stirred in, enriching the dish with a luxurious creaminess. This moment is akin to reaping the rewards of your hard work, a culmination of effort and care that results in something truly special. The final texture should be creamy and slightly al dente, a perfect balance achieved through intuition and practice.

The act of tasting the risotto, adjusting the seasoning, and deciding when it is done is a deeply personal experience. It requires you to trust your senses and judgment, fostering a sense of confidence and self-assurance. Each bite should be a symphony of flavors, a testament to the harmony between the ingredients and the cook's touch.

Serving the risotto and sharing it with others brings the process full circle. The joy of making risotto is not complete until it is enjoyed by those you care about. The satisfaction of seeing the pleasure on their faces as they take their first bite is immensely gratifying. It is in these moments of connection and shared enjoyment that the true joy of cooking is revealed. Cooking becomes a means of expressing love and creating memories, a way to nourish both body and soul.

Like many acts in life, cooking teaches us the value of patience, the importance of attention to detail, and the rewards of dedication. Each step of the process is an opportunity to engage with the present moment, to find joy in the simple act of creating something beautiful and delicious.

In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, making risotto is a reminder to slow down and savour the process. It is an invitation to find pleasure in the here and now, to take pride in the effort and care you put into your actions. The joy of making risotto is a celebration of the art of cooking and the emotions it stirs within us. It is a journey that engages all our senses, connects us to the present, and, in the end, brings us closer to those we love.