Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe (2024)

By Nicole Hunn | Published: | Posted In: Dinner, Vegetarian

Did you think that making gluten free risotto (or otherwise) was fussy? Well, it isn't. Even brown rice risotto isn't fussy. But it is a little different, and I'd like to show you how in this particular risotto recipe. Don't worry, though. I'll be gentle and kind.[pinit]

Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe (1)

I think there was an episode of The Next Food Network Star (is that still on?) years back where one of the would-be stars made risotto for some food luminary (Wolfgang Puck?). He positively skewered her attempt. Took her by the hand, led her back into the kitchen and gave her a lesson. I'm pretty sure what she remembers isnothow to make risotto, but instead how she was made a fool. If you ask me, I'd say theybothembarrassed themselves, he more than she. Then again, it was reality TV and you gotta take your lumps or they don't get the ratings. And I guess she should have known that, but still.Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe (2)

Short grain brown rice (I buy Lundberg Family Farms brand, since it's reliably gluten free and good quality) is pretty much a constant in my house. It's much, much less starchy by nature than white arborio rice (not that I'm bragging about that – who doesn't love the taste of the starch in arborio rice?), but if you cook it the right way it's creamy and delicious. It does take a few minutes longer to cook than its white cousin, but it pretty obviously beats the pants off the white stuff in nutritional value and I have come to love its bite.

Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe (3)

Now 2 of my 3 children are wild about mushrooms and even enjoy some lovely asparagus spears now and again. They get the whole shebang. The third of those children? Try as she might, vegetables are still a struggle for her, even at 11 years old. She has really tried. We recently discovered that she really enjoys raw baby spinach (especially if it's drizzled with this roasted shallot vinaigrette), so there's that. Anyway, that third child will eat some of the asparagus since she understands that vegetables keep you from gorging at every meal and will somehow improve her softball game (hey, don't judge), but she can skip the mushrooms. So after I cook the mushrooms (see the directions below), I just remove them from the saucepan and set them aside. Then I quickly cook the asparagus and when I build this particular child's bowl, I just … skip the mushrooms. No biggie.

Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe (4)

Nobody wants me to skip the grated cheese. I mean, c'mon. The real secret to cooking brown rice risotto in particular is more stock (more liquid) and longer cooking time. Okay, that's two secrets, but they're not really secrets, as those go. They're more like tips. But you kind of can't beat this easy stovetop dinner. And since it starts with a base of pancetta, it's smoky and salty and then still creamy and deep. Dinner is served!

Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe (5)

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Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe

Prep time:

Cook time:

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4 ounces cubed pancetta (can replace with 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter)

2 medium shallots, peeled and diced

2 cup uncooked short grain brown Arborio rice

1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)

4 to 4 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

Kosher and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter

2 tablespoons (28 g) extra virgin olive oil

10 ounces fresh white or baby portabella mushrooms, sliced

10 ounces fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces

2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated

Instructions

  • In a large, heavy-bottom saucepan, place the pancetta and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the fat is rendered (about 2 minutes). Add the shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent (about 4 minutes more). Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it has become somewhat translucent (about 2 minutes). Add the wine and continue to cook until the alcohol evaporates (2 minutes more).

  • Add 3 cups of the stock, stir, lower the heat to medium, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 20 minutes). Add at least another cup of stock and cook stirring frequently until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Continue to add stock until the rice is al dente (you’ll have to taste-test to determine) and the risotto is creamy. Salt and pepper to taste.

  • While the rice is cooking, place the butter and olive oil in a separate medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened (about 5 minutes). Add the asparagus and about a dash of kosher salt, cover and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes or until the asparagus is bright green and slightly softened. Remove from the heat immediately or you will overcook the asparagus.

  • Serve the cooked rice in bowls, top with asparagus and mushrooms and sprinkle with grated cheese.

  • Adapted from the Tomato and Corn Risotto on page 113 of Gluten-Free on a Shoestring Quick & Easy: 100 Recipes for the Food You Love—Fast! (Da Capo 2012).

Gluten Free Brown Rice Risotto Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you use brown rice instead of arborio for risotto? ›

This easy brown rice risotto with mushrooms turns the traditional risotto upside down! Using a “secret” ingredient to give regular brown rice a look and feel much like cooked arborio rice. I'm here to show you how to make risotto with brown rice for a simple weeknight meal.

Is risotto OK on a gluten-free diet? ›

Risotto is a hearty, creamy rice dish from Northern Italy that's made with short-grain Italian rice. While pasta is made from wheat containing gluten, risotto is made with naturally gluten-free rice.

Can you get brown risotto rice? ›

BROWN RISOTTO RICE – Biona. New to Profusion! Boost your protein intake with our new orzo range! Each serving contains 22g of protein!

Can you make risotto with brown rice reddit? ›

I used a short grain brown. I didn't know exactly what I should be expecting, so I stopped around 30 minutes and just finished it. It turned out incredibly flavorful, but definitely crunchy rather than creamy.

What can I use instead of Arborio rice for risotto? ›

Calrose Rice

Calrose rice, a medium-grain variety often found in American kitchens, works great as an arborio substitute. Its starch content is just right for achieving the creamy texture we enjoy in risotto. The trick is to let the starch come out slowly, making the texture even smoother.

Is risotto good for your gut? ›

Risotto has an adequate amount of fibre that aids in the proper functioning of the digestive tract and regulates bowel function. It also helps treat common digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhoea.

Why is risotto so high in carbs? ›

Risotto is a rice dish that uses specific types of rice called Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano. These rices have a high carbohydrate content allowing for the creamy texture signature of risotto dishes.

Is risotto rice healthier than pasta? ›

For lower calorie and carbohydrate content, rice comes out top. But if protein and fibre is your aim, pasta wins over rice. That said, both can play a part in a healthy diet - and as the nutritional differences are quite small, it often comes down to which you would prefer.

Is there such a thing as brown arborio rice? ›

Unlike white Arborio rice, our Brown Arborio Rice includes the intact bran of the grain. Since the starch of the grain is not exposed, preparing risotto with brown Arborio rice via the usual method will not return the same results as using white rice.

What's the difference between risotto rice and brown rice? ›

Brown rice has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, while white rice is more starchy and has a taste that some describe as bland. Brown rice risotto is healthier than white rice risotto, as brown rice contains more vitamins and minerals than white rice. Brown rice also has more fiber and protein than white rice.

Can you get wholegrain risotto rice? ›

Biona Organic Risotto Rice Wholegrain | Ocado.

Which grains Cannot be used to make risotto? ›

The only grains you'll want to avoid are really tough grains, like wheat berries or kamut. I learned the hard way that these will never get creamy or soft like a grain should for risotto, no matter how long you cook them or how much broth you add.

Can you use orzo instead of risotto? ›

First, you'll swap rice (risotto recipes usually call for arborio or carnaroli varieties) for orzo, a rice-shaped pasta. You'll get the same luscious consistency thanks to the starch released when stirring pasta, but in a fraction of the total cook time.

Can you use sushi rice for risotto? ›

You can use any short-grain rice variety to make risotto. Carnaroli or arborio rice are the most common, but you may see boxes labeled generically as “risotto rice.” The latter should be fine, but check the label to make sure it isn't preseasoned or otherwise flavored. In a pinch, even sushi rice will work.

Is short-grain brown rice the same as arborio? ›

Like Arborio and other short-grain white rice, short-grain brown rice is plump and round, but it does not absorb liquid as well and takes longer to cook. It can be used in similar dishes to Arborio rice, but the resulting texture will be different.

Can any type of rice be used for risotto? ›

Risotto is made with short-grain rice varieties, which tend to be high in starch and create that sticky, creamy texture you're looking for in risotto. The two most common varieties used for risotto are carnaroli and arborio.

What happens if you use regular rice for risotto? ›

Arborio rice is a short-grain, starchy rice that releases a creamy texture when cooked, making it the traditional choice for risotto. Regular rice, such as long-grain or medium-grain varieties, has less starch and may not yield the same creamy consistency.

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