Tomato Basil Blossom Risotto
A creamy Arborio rice dish infused with fresh tomatoes, basil, and edible flowers from City Floral's garden. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs arborio rice, warmed vegetable broth, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 4 cups, warmed vegetable broth
- 2 cups, diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped basil
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 small, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, edible petals nasturtium flowers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in Arborio rice until coated with oil. Add 1/2 cup broth and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Continue adding broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until rice is al dente and creamy (about 18-20 minutes).
- Step 4: Fold in diced tomatoes, basil, and nasturtium flowers. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato Basil Blossom Risotto take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 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 Tomato Basil Blossom 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 Tomato Basil Blossom 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 Tomato Basil Blossom 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.
What goes well with Tomato Basil Blossom Risotto?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
