Instant Pot Risotto recipe
Creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor, this dish is likely to be your new comfort meal. This Instant Pot Risotto recipe is fast and fabulous! If you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned home chef, this recipe combines simplicity with gourmet finesse, all due to the magic of the Instant Pot. Get ready for a culinary ride that will be all-powerful and full of taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof Simplicity: Gone are the hours of constant stirring then playing a guessing game to achieve al dente with “classic” risotto. The system does everything for you!
- Time-Saving: Enjoy restaurant-style risotto on your table in less than 30 minutes.
- Make it your own: Add any number of veggies, proteins or herbs.
- Best Comfort Food: Creamy, flavorful and so satisfying.
- Diet-friendly alternatives: Can be easily adapted to a vegetarian or gluten-free diet.
This Instant Pot Risotto is perfect for weeknight dinners, fancy dinner parties, or just a little indulgent self-care. And the rice comes out perfectly al dente every time, you won’t believe it!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Basic Risotto:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, for added flavor)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or asparagus make fantastic additions.
- Proteins: For added heartiness, stir in cooked shrimp, chicken, or pancetta.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary works beautifully for an herby touch.
Instructions
Use warm broth, because you want even cooking. Chop onion, garlic and any other veg you’re adding.
Choose the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and butter. When melted, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This latter step puts flavour in and imparts the nutty perfume that distinguishes a good risotto. If you’re using white wine, deglaze the pot with it now and cook until reduced by half.
Add the warm broth and stir it all together. Secure the lid and set to high pressure on Manual/Pressure cook for 6 minutes. (P.S. make sure the steam release valve is set to sealing.)
At the end of the cooking cycle, carefully do a quick release of pressure. Lift the lid and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you are including any extras, like peas, mushrooms or cooked protein, stir them in now.
Spoon the risotto into bowls; garnish with fresh parsley. Add a side salad, or a loaf of garlic bread, and you have a meal.
Notes
How to Serve
This adaptable risotto can be eaten as:
- A Standalone Dish: Utterly tasty solo.
- A Side Dish: Goes well with roasted meats, grilled seafood or a sturdy vegetable medley.
- A Base: Top your favorite base ingredients with more toppings or proteins
Full Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Protein: ~10g
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~20mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Risotto Vegetarian?
Of course! Just use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and skip any addition of meat.
2. Can I Use Other Rice (Beside Arborio)?
If you’re feeling adventurous, Carnaroli or Vialone Nano are both good substitutes.
3. Should I Reheat Leftover Risotto?
Yes! Risotto is best served fresh, but leftovers can be warmed up with a little splash of broth or milk to coax it back to that creamy texture.
4. What’s Good To Eat With Risotto?
Risotto goes beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, and sides like grilled asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh arugula salad.
5. Can I Freeze Risotto?
Freezing can change its creamy texture, although it’s technically possible. It’s preferable to put leftovers in the fridge and eat them within 2-3 days.
Make This Speedy Risotto Tonight
Say goodbye to the days when you stirred for an hour, trying to take creamed rice to the dinner table with a traditional risotto. This Instant Pot Risotto, on the other hand, is an easy, no-stir version that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. This recipe is the solution, whether you want a fast idea for dinner, an elegant side dish or a beautiful base for creative toppings.
You might feel like trying it out because you’ll watch how your mealtime routine changes, one creamy spoonful at a time. If you’ve got this recipe and love sharing food, Share it with our fellow foodies and check other Instant Pot favorites as well!