INSTANT POT RISOTTO

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This Indian Recipe Serves 2-3

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We all love rice dishes but risotto is something that other rice dishes simply cannot match. This creamy & comforting Instant Pot Risotto only takes 8 minutes to pressure cook which saves you all the stirring time if you had to make it on the stovetop.

If you’re wondering, what is Risotto, well to simplify it, Risotto is an Italian dish made from Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano rice. Yes, Risotto isn’t a type of rice which is falsely labelled on most packaging in South Africa – it’s the name of the dish.

There is a lot of emphasis on the cooking technique which you would do on the stovetop by slowly ladling in warm stock to a pan full of rice, stirring until the stock is absorbed, ladling in some more stock & repeating until the rice is cooked. This can take a while but I have attempted it in my Instant Pot & I’ve gotta say, it’s quick & super delicious.

I have added spices of which I enjoy so this isn’t as authentic but feel free to change it up by added whatever flavour of spices you enjoy. I’ve actually used Mexican seasonings but trust the process – it’s absolutely divine.

 

Instant Pot Risotto Ingredients:

• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ onion
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cajun seasoning according to taste
• Smoked Chili seasoning according to taste
• juice of ½ a lemon
• zest of 1 lemon
• 600 ml chicken stock
• ⅛ cup (30 ml) milk or fresh cream
• ⅓ cup parmesan shavings + extra for garnishing
• freshly chopped parsley for garnishing

Method:

1. Firstly, bring out the Arborio rice. I’m using the Tastic brand but the Woolworths brand is also my go to.
2. 
3. Add the rice to a bowl.
4. 
5. Give it a rinse & set aside until ready to use.
6. 
7. Next, peel & chop the onion.
8. 
9. Grate the zest of a lemon.
10. 
11. Cut the lemon in half as we will only be using the juice of half a lemon.
12. 
13. Go ahead & have the chicken stock ready.
14. 
15. Today I am using my Instant Pot.
16. 
17. Press the “SAUTÉ” button the Instant Pot. Press on it again until the heat level is at “Normal”.
18. The display should pre-select to 00:30, but it is fine at whichever time because it may be canceled whenever you are done sautéing.
19. 
20. Add the vegetable oil & 1 tablespoon butter into the inner stainless steel pot.
21. 
22. Thereafter, add in the chopped onions.
23. 
24. Mix well & allow to sauté until the onions are almost translucent.
25. 
26. Add in the crushed garlic.
27. 
28. Mix well & allow to sauté until the onion are completely translucent.
29. 
30. Once the onions are translucent, give it a quick stir.
31. 
32. Thereafter, add in the Arborio rice.
33. 
34. Now it’s time for the seasonings, I’ve added Woolworths Smoked Chili seasoning & Woolworths Cajun seasoning but you may add whatever seasonings you prefer. I did mention above that this isn’t a traditional Risotto because of the seasonings that I have added.
35. 
36. 
37. Add as little or as much of the seasonings, I honestly just eyeballed my quantities on this one.
38. 
39. Add in the lemon zest.
40. 
41. Mix well until everything is combined.
42. 
43. Allow the rice to fry in the spices for about 5 minutes making sure to stir every few seconds to prevent it from burning.
44. 
45. Next, squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon & pour in the chicken stock.
46. 
47. Mix well.
48. 
49. Press “CANCEL” on your Instant Pot.
50. 
51. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
52. 
53. Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “SEALING”.
54. 
55. Press the “Pressure Cook” button. Press the button again to set the pressure level to “High” on the display.
56. 
57. Next, use the “- or +” buttons & set the cooking time to 00:08 (08 minutes).
58. 
59. Once the pressure builds up, the “float valve” will pop up – when it pops up, do not attempt to open the lid!
60. 
61. After the 08 minutes are over, the screen should display “L0:00”. Press “CANCEL” on your Instant Pot & turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “VENTING” & allow the steam to release.
62. 
63. 
64. Once the “float valve” sinks in, it is safe to open the lid.
65. As you can see, the Arborio rice has cooked perfectly.
66. 
67. Add in the milk or fresh cream, 2 tablespoons of butter & the parmesan shavings.
68. 
69. Mix well.
70. 
71. Go ahead & plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley & parmesan shavings.
72. 
73. 
74. This Instant Pot Risotto is ready to be served.
75. 
76. This dish goes well with roasts of your choice or it can be enjoyed as is.
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78.