Quick and Creamy Pressure Cooker Asparagus Risotto

Pressure Cooker Asparagus Risotto

Description

This Pressure Cooker Asparagus Risotto recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want a creamy, delicious risotto without spending hours in the kitchen. Utilizing a pressure cooker significantly cuts down on the cooking time, making it a convenient yet impressive dish. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the instructions and safety precautions that come with your pressure cooker before you begin.

Recipe Details

• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Short Grain Rice
• Keywords: Rice, Vegetable, European, Pressure Cooker, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
• Aggregated Rating: 4 stars
• Review Count: 1

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 685.2
• Fat Content: 21.6g
• Saturated Fat Content: 6.5g
• Cholesterol Content: 22mg
• Sodium Content: 391.6mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 101.9g
• Fiber Content: 9.1g
• Sugar Content: 10.4g
• Protein Content: 22.4g

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 3/4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1/4 cup orange juice (optional for a hint of sweetness)
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus:

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   • Wash the asparagus well in plain water.
   • Hold each stalk at the base and at the tip and bend gently. It should break near the bottom. Discard the tough bottom part of the vegetable.

2. Sauté the Onion:

   • Over low heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil until translucent, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Cook the Rice:

   • Add the arborio rice to the pot and stir until it is coated with oil and becomes translucent around the edges.
   • Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Pressure Cooking:

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and, if using, the orange juice.
   • Seal the pressure cooker with its lid. Raise the heat to medium and set the pressure valve to 10 pounds.
   • When the valve begins to rock, cook the risotto for an additional seven minutes.
   • Remove from the heat and allow the pressure to dissipate naturally.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • Once you can open the cooker without burning yourself, add the asparagus pieces and chopped thyme.
   • Stir quickly and replace the lid. Let the risotto sit for about five more minutes.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the risotto to a serving bowl and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
   • Pass more parmesan and a pepper mill at the table for additional seasoning.
   • Taste before adding any salt since the cheese and the broth may already provide enough seasoning.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Cooking Tips

• Uniform Cutting: Make sure the asparagus pieces are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Deglazing: After sautéing the onion and garlic, deglaze the pot with a splash of stock or white wine to pick up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
• Cheese Addition: Stir in the cheese off the heat to avoid it clumping together and to ensure a smooth, creamy risotto.

Variations

• Lemon Zest: For a bright, fresh flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the asparagus and thyme.
• Herb Mix: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, parsley, or chives for a unique twist.
• Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the risotto for an earthy depth of flavor.
• Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock to keep this dish vegetarian-friendly.

Additional Notes

• Safety First: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines for your pressure cooker.
• Creaminess: Arborio rice is essential for that signature creamy risotto texture, so don’t substitute with regular rice.
• Broth Quality: Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor. Homemade stock is always a great option if you have the time.

Conclusion

This Pressure Cooker Asparagus Risotto is a time-saving yet delectable dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting, homemade meal without the hassle. Enjoy this creamy risotto with a fresh green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine for a complete, satisfying dinner.