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Technique

What is Tostatura?

Pronounced /toh-stah-TOO-rah/

Definition

Tostatura is the first step of risotto: toasting the dry rice in fat until the grains are hot and translucent at the edges.

Two to three minutes of toasting seals the outside of each grain so it releases starch gradually instead of collapsing into porridge.

The grains should be too hot to hold before the wine goes in.

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