Carnaroli is an Italian medium-grained rice grown in the Pavia, Novara and Vercelli provinces of northern Italy. Carnaroli is used for making risotto, differing from the more common arborio rice due to its higher starch content and firmer texture, as well as having a longer grain. Carnaroli rice keeps its shape better than other forms of rice during the slow cooking required for making risotto due to its higher amylose content. It is the most widely used rice in Italian cuisine, and is highly prized.

While pearl barley or Carnaroli rice provide the closest texture and creaminess to Arborio rice, you can up your nutritional value by opting for brown rice instead, or better still, quinoa or bulgur wheat, which are lacking in starchiness but are high in nutritional value.

Published Date: August 26, 2023