Description

This easy Rice Cooker Risotto recipe delivers creamy, perfectly cooked Arborio rice infused with garlic, shallots, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Using a rice cooker, it simplifies the traditional stovetop risotto method, making it a foolproof weeknight side or light main dish. Adding frozen peas gives a pop of color and freshness, while lemon zest and juice brighten the rich flavors. An ideal recipe for a comforting yet elegant meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Risotto Base

1 medium shallot, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch black pepper

Finishing Ingredients

Zest and juice of one lemon
1 cup frozen peas
2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups additional vegetable broth (as needed for consistency)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients in Rice Cooker: Add the diced shallots, minced garlic, Arborio rice, 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, butter, salt, and pepper into the rice cooker. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Cook Risotto: Set your rice cooker to the white rice setting. If your rice cooker is a basic model, simply set it to cook. The rice will absorb the liquid and gradually cook until tender, usually about 30 minutes.
Finish the Risotto: When the cooking cycle ends, open the rice cooker and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, frozen peas, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add additional vegetable broth as needed if the risotto seems too thick or dry, stirring to combine until creamy.
Serve Immediately: Spoon the risotto onto plates or bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if preferred. Serve while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Ensure your rice cooker can hold at least 6 cups of cooked rice to accommodate this recipe volume.
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not strictly vegetarian.
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine in place of some vegetable broth.
Cook time may vary slightly based on your rice cooker model; check for doneness at the end of the cooking cycle.
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make excellent garnishes to complement the lemon and Parmesan flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 230
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 15mg