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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
