Risotto is one of my favorite things to make. I love the stirring, the way the rice releases its starch, and then absorbs the liquid as it is gradually added, resulting in a creamy savory starchy puddle of fabulousness.
But it’s not a dish a lot of folks want to make all that often, because it requires a fairly constant focus of attention. And if you are entertaining, it pretty much locks you into the kitchen for ½ an hour or longer, which is annoying if your kitchen is closed off from where the action (people) is.
Risotto in the Instant Pot
When I first heard you could make risotto in the Instant Pot I was a bit skeptical. I was a lot skeptical. I definitely thought that thought the stirring, and the slow addition of small increments of liquid were what gave risotto that simple yet complex creaminess, and that unification of rice and broth and added ingredients. But I am determined to see what that Instant Pot can do.
The results were very pleasantly surprising. I will not say that it has an identical texture to risotto stirred on the stove. But it definitely has a much more risotto-like texture and consistency than if you had just dumped all of the liquid into the rice and mushrooms on the stove, covered it, and let the rice absorb the broth. That just results in rice – not risotto.
5 Minutes of Cooking Time for the Rice
It was shocking to me that you only set the pressure cooker function for 5 minutes. Sure there is a bit of extra time that needs to be factored in: the time for the pressure to build and the 5 minute countdown to start. But once the 5 minutes are up you actually do the quick release of the steam valve, and stir in those last final ingredients. You can stir a couple of tablespoons of cream into the risotto at the end as well, or even a couple of extra tablespoons of broth, if you want a looser texture.
The Instant Pot makes risotto super simple to make and also faster than you would imagine.
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How to Make Mushroom Risotto in an Instant Pot
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add 2 tablespoons of the butter.
When the butter is melted, sauté the shallots for 2 minutes, until they soften and start to turn opaque, but don’t let them brown. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are fairly tender and golden at the edges.
Add the rice and stir frequently until the rice is starting to become translucent on the outside, about 2 minutes.
Add the white wine and stir to release any bit stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Add the broth and stir well.
Seal the pot, press the Manual button, then set the Instant Pot to HIGH, and set the time for 5 minutes.
When the 5 minutes are up, immediately release the pressure using the quick release valve. Open the Instant Pot and immediately stir in the thyme, peas, Parmesan and remaining tablespoon of butter.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately.
I used shiitake mushrooms in my version, but you can use any kind of mushrooms you like, from wild to button.
Other Instant Pot Recipes:
- Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Instant Pot Mediterranean Lamb Stew
- How to Cook Perfect Rice in an Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash
Other Italian Entrees:
- Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- Classic Italian Meat Sauce
- Italian Tuna Salad
- Spicy Chicken Milanese
- Pork Chops with Italian Salsa Verde
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Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , divided
- 1 large shallot , finely chopped
- 8 ounces thinly sliced mushrooms (any kind)
- 2 cups arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 1 cup peas , fresh or frozen and thawed
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
- Place the broth in a microwave safe container and warm in the microwave, or place in a saucepan and warm over low heat on the stove, until it almost comes to a simmer.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter is melted, sauté the shallots for 2 minutes, until they soften and start to turn opaque, but don’t let them brown. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are fairly tender and golden at the edges.
- Add the rice and stir frequently until the rice is starting to become translucent on the outside, about 2 minutes. Add the white wine and stir to release any bit stuck to the bottom of the pot. Cook for 1 minute until the wine has mostly evaporated. Turn off the Sauté function.
- Add the broth and stir well. Seal the pot, press the Manual button, then set the Instant Pot to HIGH, and set the time for 5 minutes. The pressure cooker will take a few minutes to set the pressure and begin the 5-minute countdown.
- When the 5 minutes are up, immediately release the pressure using the quick release valve. Open the Instant Pot and immediately stir in the thyme, peas, Parmesan and remaining tablespoon of butter. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition values are provided as an estimate. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
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