Saffron Risotto in the Pressure Cooker

In Italy, this is known as 'risotto alla Milanese,' 'risotto giallo,' or 'risotto allo zafferano.' Whatever you call it, it is the king of risottos, the simplest yet best known of all. The traditional preparation requires 20 minutes of stirring and cooking, but I managed to learn how to prepare it in the pressure cooker or an Instant Pot®. I swear, you won't notice the difference! I have provided further tips for all your pressure cooker risottos in the notes at the end of the recipe.

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 523 Calories

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup hot water
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup dry white wine
• 1 pinch saffron
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 3 ¼ cups boiling vegetable stock

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Soak saffron threads in hot water in a bowl.

Step 2

Melt 2 1/2 tablespoons butter in a pressure cooker over low heat. Cook and stir shallot until soft, about 3 minutes. Add rice; cook and stir for a few minutes until rice has absorbed butter and is toasted, about 3 minutes. Pour in wine and allow alcohol to cook off, about 1 minute. Add boiling stock all at once and stir. Close cooker securely and place pressure regulator over vent according to manufacturer's instructions. Increase heat to high. Heat until steam escapes in a steady flow and makes a whistling sound. Reduce heat to low and cook for 4 minutes.

Step 3

Remove cooker from heat and release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Carefully open once pressure is completely released and stir well. Stir in saffron, remaining 1 1/2 tablespoon butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Let risotto rest for 3 minutes in order to expand, soak up the stock, and absorb flavor. Serve in warmed bowls with extra grated Parmesan cheese.