The protein gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and a cross between wheat and rye called triticale. People diagnosed with celiac disease cannot include food made from these grains in their diet, as gluten from these grains can cause inflammation in their small intestines. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity also need to avoid food that contains gluten. A gluten-free diet helps prevent serious health complications. Risotto, a staple in the Italian diet, has gained popularity in the last few decades. Those who are sensitive to gluten and love Italian food can be inquisitive about risotto ingredients. For them, here is an answer to the question lingering in their mind: There are countless versions of risotto. Most contain rice, vegetables, butter, wine, and onion, and therefore, are gluten-free. Although risotto is made and presented in various ways, just like pasta, it is not a type of pasta (most pasta is made from wheat flour and eggs), it is a type of rice. This traditional north Italian rice dish is made from a specific variety of rice; for example, short-grained, starchy variety called Arborio rice. Apart from being packed with starch, these short and plump rice grains can absorb more liquid than other rice varieties, that too without becoming mushy.

• Rice (arborio, vialone nano, or carnaroli)
• Parmesan cheese
• Butter (Instead of butter, lard can be used)
• Chicken stock (meat, seafood, legumes, or vegetable broth can be used)
• Onion
• Garlic (optional)
• Olive oil
• Dry white wine (or red wine)

There exist several different risotto recipes, so, every time, risotto may contain different ingredients. Versatile and delectable, risotto is also surprisingly easy to make at home. Here is some basic information on how risotto is prepared. ➺ In a wide casserole, onion and garlic are gradually added to the heated oil and butter. Continuous stirring makes them soft. ➺ Rice is added and mixed. ➺ Wine is added. The mixture is stirred well so that the wine gets absorbed into the grains. ➺ When the wine evaporates, hot stock is gradually (a ladleful at a time) poured into the mixture. ➺ Constant stirring loosens the starch molecules from the outer surface of the rice grains and allows them to mingle into the surrounding liquid. Stirring helps create a smooth creamy-textured liquid. ➺ Diced parmesan and butter are beaten together until creamy. ➺ Removing the casserole from the heat, the beaten mixture is added to the rice, and stirred vigorously. This gives the risotto a smooth and creamy texture. Risotto is ready to serve! It is fairly fluid when served. In Italy, this is the common way of preparing rice. Thus, traditionally prepared risotto does not have wheat or gluten. ➺ Risotto served in restaurants may contain gluten. Some restaurants swap traditional risotto rice for pearl barley which contains gluten. Gluten helps make foods taste better. Moreover, it improves the texture of the food. So it's often added to commercially prepared foods. ➺ Instead of rice, risotto is sometimes made from orzo, short-cut pasta, that looks like a large grain of rice. But orzo is made from wheat only. For those who are allergic to gluten, read the menu card carefully and ask about the ingredients used before ordering your risotto. Not only should the risotto be prepared using gluten-free ingredients, but the preparation should also help prevent cross-contamination. Ask the staff if any gluten-containing ingredients are added to the rice. The chef may use broth or stock that contains gluten. Some brands of margarine are not gluten-free, so you need to confirm the type of margarine (if it is used instead of butter). Ask whether risotto is made from gluten-free sausages. Ask until you are sure that your food is gluten-free. A local helpline may help you find a restaurant that has a gluten-free menu. These days, a number of restaurants and local food outlets are certified by one of the celiac disease support groups. You may choose one of them. A good risotto is an absolutely heavenly dish, and there's no reason why you can't order it when eating out. Do not hesitate to ask about its ingredients. Ardent risotto lovers can easily make it at home.