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Want to make gourmet risotto but don’t have time? Your microwave can help! You can create creamy, delicious risotto in just minutes using your microwave. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy this fancy Italian dish on busy weeknights.
You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make risotto in the microwave. With a few key ingredients and some easy steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Ready to give it a try? Let’s dive in and learn how to make gourmet microwave risotto!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make gourmet microwave risotto:
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 clove minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
Can’t find some ingredients? Try these swaps:
• Use regular short-grain rice instead of Arborio
• Swap broth for water and a bouillon cube
• Replace wine with extra broth or a splash of lemon juice
• Substitute any hard cheese for Parmesan
For added flavor, toss in some extras:
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Cooked peas or asparagus
• Diced cooked chicken or shrimp
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme
Remember, you can adjust amounts to suit your taste. The beauty of microwave risotto is its flexibility. You can easily make it your own!
Instructions
Get ready to make delicious risotto in your microwave! Here’s how:
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Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish. Add chopped onions and garlic. Microwave for 45 seconds.
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Stir in Arborio rice and a splash of white wine. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Pour in 3 cups of hot broth. Cover the dish with a lid or vented plastic wrap.
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Microwave on high for 9 minutes. Stir halfway through.
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Add your favorite veggies or seafood. Cook for 6 more minutes.
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Let the risotto rest for 2 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your risotto should be creamy and the rice tender. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, cook for another minute or two.
Remember to use oven mitts when handling the hot dish. Stir carefully to avoid steam burns.
Enjoy your quick and easy gourmet risotto!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Stir your risotto often while cooking to release the starch and create that creamy texture. Add hot broth gradually, letting each addition absorb before adding more.
For extra flavor, try using wine instead of some of the broth. White wine works great, but red can be fun too!
Don’t overcook your risotto. It should be al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Take it off the heat when it’s still a bit loose, as it will continue to thicken.
Here are some tasty mix-ins to try:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted butternut squash
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme
To store leftover risotto, let it cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.
You can also turn leftovers into delicious arancini (fried rice balls). Simply form cold risotto into balls, stuff with cheese, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden.