Choose your own adventure Instant Pot risotto

 

I'm almost certain my brother read every choose your own adventure book from our elementary school library. I love the premise; the basic story is set, but you make plot decisions throughout and conclude with an ending of your choice.

This risotto is much the same. The basic story is a one-to-two ratio of risotto (also known as arborio rice) to stock. You choose the vegetables and coordinating seasoning and conclude with the best six minute dish.

Some people have their mom's lasagna, or chicken noodle soup, but risotto is my comfort food and since I have the cold that won't quit, I've made this three times in the last week.

Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 T ghee or butter
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/8 t red pepper flakes

1/2 cup leeks/onion/shallot, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 heaping cup of vegetables, chopped (asparagus/broccoli/butternut squash)

1 cup arborio rice
2 cups bone broth/chicken broth/vegetable stock

1/2 lemon, squeezed

Directions:
Add olive oil, ghee or butter, the leek/onion/shallot combination of your choosing, and the garlic cloves in the Instant Pot set on saute. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the vegetables. I've been using asparagus and broccoli because it pairs well with the spiciness of the red pepper flakes and the freshness from the lemon, but butternut squash is also delicious with some chopped sage added at the end.  Cook the vegetables and onion mixture for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the saute mode and add the salt/pepper, red pepper flakes, rice and broth to the pot. I've been using bone broth to get the extra protein, but any broth works well here.

Set the Instant Pot to manual, six minutes, making sure the venting is sealed. Do some quick online shopping or reading, scroll Instagram, or just relax and remind yourself how much easier this is than standing over a stove stirring risotto for 40 minutes.

When the six minutes are up, release the pressure and carefully open the lid. Squeeze half a lemon directly into the pot and give it a quick stir. Enjoy! And don't be surprised if this risotto disappears quickly.