Imagine a creamy, luxurious risotto that practically cooks itself while you relax - no constant stirring required! This Slow Cooker Broccoli Risotto is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, transforming humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Italian-inspired comfort food combines the rich creaminess of perfectly cooked Arborio rice with tender broccoli and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the broccoli and onion. Measure out the Arborio rice, vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese.
- Grease the interior of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the diced onion to the slow cooker and sauté briefly using the sauté function, or alternatively, quickly sauté in a separate pan until translucent and fragrant.
- Pour the Arborio rice into the slow cooker and stir to coat the grains with the onion and butter, allowing the rice to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged in liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli to the risotto, gently folding it into the rice mixture.
- Check the rice for doneness - it should be creamy and tender but still have a slight bite. If needed, add a little more broth to achieve desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and pepper, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Let the risotto rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken and develop a creamy texture.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right rice: Arborio rice is crucial for authentic risotto texture. Its high starch content creates that signature creamy consistency.
- Don't skip the initial sautéing step: Lightly toasting the rice with onions helps develop deeper flavor before slow cooking.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This helps distribute heat and prevents rice from burning.
- Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to maintain its bright color and prevent overcooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor profile.
- Let the risotto rest after cooking to allow it to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
- If the risotto seems too thick, add a little warm broth to achieve your desired creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
