Add-An-Ingredient Risotto 🍚
Description: This delightful recipe for Add-An-Ingredient Risotto is a true lifesaver when you need a quick, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and flexibility. What makes this dish so special is its adaptability – you can raid your fridge for whatever ingredients you have on hand and create a delicious masterpiece every time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Arborio rice |
| 2 | Zucchini |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 1 | Shrimp or chicken (optional) |
| 4 cups | Hot water |
| 1/4 | Bouillon cube |
| 1 cup | White wine |
| 1/4 cup | Parmesan cheese |
| To taste | Garlic, pepper, basil, oregano, fresh ground black pepper |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 584.1
- Fat: 7.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 7.3mg
- Sodium: 142.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 111.9g
- Fiber: 5.8g
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Protein: 12.9g
Recipe Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, including the arborio rice, zucchini, carrot, shrimp or chicken (if using), hot water, bouillon cube, white wine, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pepper, basil, oregano, and fresh ground black pepper.
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Heat Oil: In a large, deep frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat.
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Sauté Rice: Once the oil is hot, add the arborio rice to the pan. Sauté the rice for a couple of minutes until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
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Add Liquid: Pour in 1 cup of water and the white wine. Stir the rice occasionally as it absorbs the liquid.
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Incorporate Vegetables and Protein: Once the liquid is nearly absorbed, add another 1/2 cup of water, the bouillon cube, chopped zucchini, carrot, and shrimp or chicken (if using). Stir well to combine.
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Continue Cooking: Repeat the process of adding water as needed and stirring occasionally until the rice is cooked to your desired consistency. This may take more or less than 4 cups of water, so be sure to taste the rice occasionally and adjust accordingly.
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Add Garlic and Herbs: In the last five minutes of cooking, add minced garlic and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, and fresh ground black pepper, to taste. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
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Serve: Once the risotto is cooked to perfection, spoon it onto plates and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for an extra burst of flavor.
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Enjoy Your Creation: Gather your loved ones around the table and savor each mouthful of this delicious Add-An-Ingredient Risotto. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and experiment with different flavor combinations to make it your own!
Recipe Notes:
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the shrimp or chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients! Consider adding additional flavorings like turmeric and rosemary for an extra punch of taste.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
This Add-An-Ingredient Risotto recipe is a versatile and satisfying meal option that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, raid your fridge, and whip up a batch tonight – you won’t be disappointed! 🍽️✨
