What is the name of a common variety of short-grain Italian rice?

The name of a common variety of short-grain Italian rice is Arborio. Arborio rice is well-known for its high starch content, which makes it especially suitable for making risotto. The grains are short and plump, allowing them to absorb liquids and create a creamy texture when cooked. This characteristic is critical to producing a traditional risotto, where the rice needs to release starch while maintaining a slightly al dente center.

While Carnaroli is another variety of Italian short-grain rice often used for risotto and is indeed very popular, Arborio is more widely recognized and is frequently found in recipes labeled as “risotto,” making it the go-to option for many home cooks and chefs when preparing this dish.

Risotto refers to the dish itself rather than the type of rice, and while Valencia is a type of rice, it is typically used for paella rather than risotto. Therefore, Arborio is the most appropriate choice in this context as it is synonymous with the classic preparation of risotto in Italian cuisine.