Winter is coming and a good plate of risotto is a great comfort food – and it’s easier to make than people think.

Just make sure you buy Carnaroli rice and that your chicken stock (about four times the amount of rice ) is simmering, and seasoned correctly.

Add one chopped shallot to a pot with a little oil, and one handful of rice per guest. Cook it for two minutes (this is called toasting the rice ). Add a glass of white wine (and have one yourself ) and let it cook out.

Then just add 2-3 ladles of boiling stock at a time and let it absorb while gently stirring at two-minute intervals. It will take close to 20 minutes. Taste it, add a spoon of butter and two spoons of grated Parmesan.