Basic Microwave Risotto: The Easy and Quick Recipe for a Perfect First Course

The basic microwave risotto is a practical and quick solution for those who want to enjoy a creamy first course without spending too much time cooking. Thanks to microwave cooking, you can achieve a surprisingly good result with few ingredients and without continuous stirring. A perfect base to enrich with vegetables, cheeses, or whatever you have in your pantry.

Microwave-cooked Basic Risotto

This basic risotto cooked in the microwave is ready in less than 20 minutes. You will need Arborio rice, hot broth, onion, butter, and a pinch of salt. The microwave cooks everything evenly, and with a simple final stir, you'll get a creamy risotto ready to be customized.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 persone

Course: First courses

Cuisine: International cuisine

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cucchiaio butter
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic optional, chopped
• 1 cup rice Arborio
• 2 ½ cups hot broth vegetable or chicken
• q.b. salt
• grated Parmesan cheese optional
• parsley or aromatic herbs to taste (optional)

Equipment

• microwave-safe bowl
• wooden spoon or spatula
• plastic wrap or microwave lid
• fork
• ladle

Method

 

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 30 seconds at medium power.
2. Add the onion (and garlic if used) and cook for another 2 minutes until soft.
3. Pour in the rice and stir to coat with butter and flavors.
4. Add all the hot broth and a pinch of salt. Stir.
5. Cover with microwave plastic wrap or a suitable lid, leaving a small vent.
6. Cook on high power (about 800W) for 10 minutes.
7. Stir gently, then cook for another 6-8 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed.
8. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
9. Add, if desired, a knob of butter or Parmesan cheese to finish.

Why It’s Worth Trying

This microwave version is perfect for those with little time but who don’t want to give up a hot, creamy, homemade dish. The risotto cooks evenly, requires no constant stirring, and can be endlessly customized: with peas, mushrooms, pumpkin, saffron, cheeses, or fresh herbs. It’s also an ideal base recipe to prepare in advance and finish when ready.