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Instant Pot Risotto

Make authentic Instant Pot Risotto with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on September 20, 2022
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Instant Pot Risotto
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time21 mins
⌛
Total Time36 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4
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This Indian Recipe Serves 2-3

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.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4
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Step-by-Step Instructions

38 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Firstly, bring out the Arborio rice. I’m using the Tastic brand but the Woolworths brand is also my go to.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Add the rice to a bowl.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Give it a rinse & set aside until ready to use.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Next, peel & chop the onion.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Grate the zest of a lemon.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Cut the lemon in half as we will only be using the juice of half a lemon.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Go ahead & have the chicken stock ready.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Today I am using my Instant Pot.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Press the “SAUTÉ” button the Instant Pot. Press on it again until the heat level is at “Normal”.

  10. Step 10

    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.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Add the vegetable oil & 1 tablespoon butter into the inner stainless steel pot.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Thereafter, add in the chopped onions.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Mix well & allow to sauté until the onions are almost translucent.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Add in the crushed garlic.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Mix well & allow to sauté until the onion are completely translucent.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Once the onions are translucent, give it a quick stir.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Thereafter, add in the Arborio rice.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    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.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Add as little or as much of the seasonings, I honestly just eyeballed my quantities on this one.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Add in the lemon zest.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Mix well until everything is combined.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Allow the rice to fry in the spices for about 5 minutes making sure to stir every few seconds to prevent it from burning.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Next, squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon & pour in the chicken stock.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Mix well.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Press “CANCEL” on your Instant Pot.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “SEALING”.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Press the “Pressure Cook” button. Press the button again to set the pressure level to “High” on the display.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

    Next, use the “- or +” buttons & set the cooking time to 00:08 (08 minutes).

    Step 29 visual guide
  30. Step 30

    Once the pressure builds up, the “float valve” will pop up – when it pops up, do not attempt to open the lid!

    Step 30 visual guide
  31. Step 31

    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.

    Step 31 visual guide
  32. Step 32

    Once the “float valve” sinks in, it is safe to open the lid.

  33. Step 33

    As you can see, the Arborio rice has cooked perfectly.

    Step 33 visual guide
  34. Step 34

    Add in the milk or fresh cream, 2 tablespoons of butter & the parmesan shavings.

    Step 34 visual guide
  35. Step 35

    Mix well.

    Step 35 visual guide
  36. Step 36

    Go ahead & plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley & parmesan shavings.

    Step 36 visual guide
  37. Step 37

    This Instant Pot Risotto is ready to be served.

    Step 37 visual guide
  38. Step 38

    This dish goes well with roasts of your choice or it can be enjoyed as is.

    Step 38 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Instant Pot Risotto.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Instant Pot Risotto

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Instant Pot Risotto?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Risotto in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

Read Full Story →Get in Touch

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