Easy Pressure Cooker Risotto Basic Recipes

EASY PRESSURE COOKER RISOTTO (BASIC RECIPE)

Steps:

• In the pre-heated pressure cooker on medium heat add the oil, and onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
• Add the rice and lightly toast it to release the starch. When you add the Arborio rice to the onions, the rice will turn from solid white to translucent as it absorbs the oil and onion juice, then in about a minute back to white. Wait until just a couple of grains look golden and your rice is toasted!
• Add a swig of white wine and un-stick any grains from the bottom of the cooker with it and stir the rice until the wine has fully evaporated.
• Add the broth (or broth and veggie mixture), mix and close the top immediately.
• Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker.
• For electric pressure cookers: Cook for 5-6 minutes at high pressure. For stove top pressure cookers: Turn the heat up to high and when the cooker indicates it has reached high pressure, lower to the heat to maintain it and begin counting 7 minutes pressure cooking time.
• When time is up, open the cooker by releasing the pressure. For electric pressure cookers cook for a minute less (since the release takes longer) and remove the inner pot from the cooker immediately to keep the rice from over-cooking .
• The risotto should appear just slightly too wet. Stir, and the rice will continue to absorb the extra liquid in about 30 seconds. If the rice is still very wet, put the open pressure cooker back on a medium flame, without the lid, and finish cooking it this way - stirring often- until it reaches the right consistency.
• For a classic finish, melt a tablespoon of butter and grated cheese and stir in right before serving.

RISOTTO IN A PRESSURE COOKER

Steps:

• Heat the butter and oil in the cooker. Saute the onion until soft but not brown, about 2 minute Stir in the rice, making sure to coat it thoroughly with the fat. Stir in 3-1/2 c of the stock (watch for sputtering oil).
• Lock the lid in place and over high heat bring to hig pressure. Adjust the heat to maintain high pressure and cook for 6 minute Reduce pressure with a quick-release method (see below). Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any excess steam to escape.
• Taste the rice, and if it's not sufficiently cooked, add a bit more stock as you stir. Cook over medium heat until the additional liquid has been absorbed and the rice is desired consistency, another minute or two. When the rice is ready, stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan, add salt to taste and serve immediately.
• NOTES: Adding some sort of fat is critical when cooking rice and grains so that the liquid/starch doesn't foam and plug up the steam vents. I'd also keep a close eye on it toward the end as I imagine that if you use less water the rice might dry out in the last minute or so. Also, Cooking Under Pressure is a nice reference book with a number of modern/gourmet- type recipes such as this one.
• For better taste and texture, it's essential to use an Italian short-grain white rice such as Arborio, Carnaroli, or Maratelli. Traditionally the rice is not rinsed before cooking since the water would wash away starches that contribute to the velvety sauce enveloping each grain. The perfect risotto should be slightly soupy and properly chewy, with the rice offering just a pleasant resistance to the bite. For this reason, the pressure is always quick-released and the risotto must be served as soon as it is finished -- Leftover risotto can also be shaped into pancakes and warmed or pan-fried in a little butter, or heated in the microwave.
• Using the basic formula of 3-1/2 to 4 c of liquid to 1-1/2 c Arborio rice you can create your own recipes and also use traditional recipes.
• Although classic risottos usually contain wine, the above recipe(s) are flavorful without it.

BASIC RISOTTO (PRESSURE COOKER)

Steps:

• Warm the chicken stock in a small saucepan.
• Finely chop the shallots, celery, and garlic.
• Add the olive oil to the pressure cooker, and place over medium heat.
• Add the shallots and celery with a pinch of salt, and sweat for about 3 minutes, until the shallots are translucent and softened.
• Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes (don't let the garlic brown).
• Turn the heat up to high, and add the rice with another pinch of salt. Fry the rice for 2 - 3 minutes, keeping it moving so it doesn't burn.
• When the rice is translucent, add the vermouth (be careful, it will steam). Stir until the alcohol is cooked off and the liquid is absorbed.
• Add the chicken stock, and give it a stir. Lock on the lid and bring to pressure.
• Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 4 minutes. Remove the pressure cooker from the heat, and let sit for 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the butter into small cubes, and grate the parmesan.
• Carefully release any remaining pressure.
• Stir in the butter, cheese, and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately.