What is the difference between risotto rice and paella rice?
My local supermarket stocks arborio and carnaroli rices for making risotto, and also stocks "paella rice". I have, in the past, used them interchangeably in both risottos and paellas. Wikipedia handily summarises the difference between carnaroli and arborio here, but I can't find a description of the differences between these and a paella rice (aside from country of origin).
Note: I'm aware that the rice is cooked differently in a paella compared to a risotto -- I'm asking about the differences in the rice itself, not the cooking method.
Best Answer
'Paella rice' is not actually a variety of rice, but a category suitable, as the its name suggests, for making paella. Some common varieties are: Bahia, Balilla, Bomba, Senia, and Calasparra; the particular variety should be indicated on the packet that you choose.
These varieties differ from risotto rices, such as arborio and carnaroli, in not creating a creamy 'sauce' around the rice. Paella rice should stick together, but be distinct and not in a creamy 'sauce'.
Arborio rice has a creamy, chewy texture due to its higher amylopectin (one of two components in its starch) content. Paella rice absorbs more liquid than risotto rices, however it too would become 'creamy' if you stirred it like a risotto, since it also has a high starch content.
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Quick Answer about "What is the difference between risotto rice and paella rice?"
1 Paella is Spanish in origin while risotto is Italian. The result is a rice dish that is cooked quite aggressively depending on how hot the flames are. The risotto meanwhile is Italian in origin. It's a dish from the northern parts of Italy where a special kind of rice is simmered and cooked slowly in a broth.Can you substitute risotto rice for paella?
Arborio Rice: This may be the first choice that comes to mind when finding a rice substitute. Although it is very much associated with the cheesy starchy risotto dish, it can still be used for making paella.Is paella and risotto rice the same thing?
There are no such things as paella rice and risotto rice Neither term is the name of a specific product, but rather a classifying term describing their use, namely for paella or risotto. However, different types of rice are in fact used for both dishes.Can you make risotto using paella rice?
Firstly the type of rice that is used. Bomba rice, a short grain rice that absorbs liquid very well is used for paella whereas arborio or carnaroli rice is used for risottos. Wine is used in the preparation of risotto, but not in paella. And additionally unlike with a risotto, a paella is not stirred.What is the best substitute for paella rice?
Best substitute for paella rice is risotto rice (arborio rice) which has similar characteristics ie. ability to absorb lots of liquid, except risotto goes creamy if you stir it. The next best is medium grain rice \u2013 the same rice I use for rice pudding.What is the difference between risotto rice and paella rice?
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Answer 2
A grain of rice consists of a starchy wrapping around a core of protein. Risotto rice releases most of the starch quite readily, which is what gives risotto its creaminess (along with all the butter and parmesan). Each rice grain in risotto is thus relatively soft.
Paella rice holds onto its starch more, so generally is a bit more al dente - the protein core remains firm and the grains themselves remain relatively separate when compared to risotto.
Answer 3
I've found that cooking methods make a much greater difference than using either 'Paella' or 'Risotto' rice. I used to source rice for my Paella very carefully but I now buy risotto rice in bulk and I cannot tell the difference in the finished product. Providing that it is minimally stirred and not too much stock is added, risotto rice is perfectly adequate for Paella.
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