Half-Half Tomato and Basil Risotto
A luscious risotto that balances half Arborio rice with half diced tomatoes, infused with fresh basil for a vibrant, creamy finish. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Arborio rice, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped shallot
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm 4 cups vegetable broth in a saucepan over low heat to keep hot.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped shallot and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup Arborio rice and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until rice edges look translucent.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup of the hot broth to the rice, stirring frequently until liquid is absorbed, then add another 1/2 cup broth. Repeat this process, adding broth in half-cup increments, stirring often.
- Step 6: When half the broth is used, stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes and continue adding the remaining broth gradually, cooking until the rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes total.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Half Tomato and Basil Risotto take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Half Tomato and Basil Risotto?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Half Tomato and Basil Risotto?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Half Tomato and Basil Risotto for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Half Tomato and Basil Risotto vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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