An annual tribute to risotto in Piedmont

Risotto is enjoyed as a first course in Italy, especially in the northern regions of Veneto, Piedmont and Lombardy – where most of the country’s rice is produced.

Every year, the small Piedmontese town of Sessame celebrates the classic rice dish with a festival held on the first Sunday of May.

Taking place since the 13^th century, the festival is said to have been established to celebrate the local women’s return from the rice paddies.

It’s said that around 100 kilograms of rice are cooked on the day, served to festivalgoers alongside a glass of local wine.

The most popular type of risotto sampled is that made with a meat ragù – a local specialty.

For those who feel like something else, there’s a selection of other seasonal dishes on offer too.

The festival also includes a street market, live music and kids’ entertainment.

Italy is Europe’s largest rice producer and the northern regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Piedmont are Italy’s rice bowl.

The lower part of the Pianura Padana, in Lombardy, and the areas of Vercelli and Novara, in the region of Piedmont, are famous for their rice production.

Carnaroli, Vialone Nano and Arborio are rice varieties grown in Italy and used for risotto.

Short and plump, these grains boast high amounts of a sticky starch called amylopectin, which gives risotto that luxurious creamy texture.

Carnaroli is considered the finest rice for risotto and has a longer grain than the other two.

Though we can’t travel to Sessame to take part in its annual festivities, why not celebrate in your own way by cooking a bowl of creamy risotto?

Risotto with Barolo wine is a classic Piedmontese dish that will mark the occasion perfectly.

Or perhaps you’d prefer risotto Giuseppe Verdi-style, a typical dish from the province of Parma, in the region of Emilia-Romagna.

While the dish honours the great Maestro, the recipe was actually perfected by a chef from beyond the Alps.

For those who like a little colour, saffron risotto is a simple yet delicious dish that shows off the flavours and vibrant hues of one of L’Aquila’s most famous products.

And for something on the sweeter side, risotto with apples is a specialty from the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige that gives off vibes of a creamy take on a cheese platter.