Creamy Baked Vegetable Risotto
This versatile and comforting Creamy Baked Vegetable Risotto is not only inspired by a popular recipe from Donna Hay magazine but has evolved into a family favorite. It's a brilliant way to sneak healthy vegetables into your meals, perfect for both kids and adults. You can customize it with a range of vegetables, making it an ideal dish to use up what you have on hand. The best part? Once the chicken is cooked and everything is combined in the oven, you can relax and enjoy your time without the hassle of constant stirring. This makes for a rich and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors, ensuring every bite is delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Arborio rice
1 1/2 cups (Uncooked)
Chicken stock
4 1/2 cups (Liquid)
Diced chicken breasts
500 g (Diced)
Sliced mushrooms
200-300 g (Fresh, sliced)
Frozen peas
1/2 cup (Frozen)
Zucchini
1-2 (Thinly sliced)
Pumpkin
1 cup (Finely diced)
Fresh baby spinach
1 cup (Fresh)
Brown onion
1 (Sliced)
Garlic cloves
2-3 cloves (Minced)
Olive oil
To taste (For sautéing)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Butter
1-2 tablespoons (For flavor)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2
In a large frying pan over medium heat, add a small drizzle of olive oil. If desired, consider adding a small pat of butter for enhanced flavor.
3
Saute the sliced onion until it becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4
Add the diced chicken breasts to the pan, seasoning them lightly as they cook—steak spice or your preferred seasoning works great here. Lightly brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes.
5
Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and pumpkin to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors without cooking them through. Fold in the baby spinach and frozen peas, which will cook in the oven.
6
In a pre-greased baking dish with a lid, combine 4 1/2 cups of chicken stock with the 1 1/2 cups of arborio rice and the chicken and vegetable mixture from the pan.
7
Cover the dish tightly with the lid and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes without stirring. Use this time to prep your table or enjoy a glass of wine.
8
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Stir the risotto, and add in the half cup of grated parmesan cheese and a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for extra creaminess. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
9
Serve warm and enjoy the wonderful flavors! If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken for a delightful side dish that serves 6-8.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Vegetable Risotto?
It is a versatile and comforting dish inspired by Donna Hay magazine, featuring arborio rice, chicken, and a variety of healthy vegetables baked together for a rich and creamy texture.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is designed to be hassle-free because once the ingredients are combined in the oven, it requires no constant stirring, unlike traditional risotto.
How long does the risotto need to bake?
The risotto should be baked in the oven for 40 minutes without stirring.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) before baking.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken to create a delightful vegetarian side dish or main meal.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of uncooked Arborio rice.
How much chicken stock do I need?
You will need 4 1/2 cups of chicken stock.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced zucchini, finely diced pumpkin, fresh baby spinach, and frozen peas.
Can I customize the vegetables in this risotto?
Yes, this is a flexible recipe that is ideal for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand.
How do I prepare the chicken for the risotto?
Dice 500g of chicken breast, season it with steak spice or your preferred seasoning, and brown it in a frying pan for 5-7 minutes.
Do I need to stir the risotto while it is in the oven?
No, you do not need to stir the risotto during the 40-minute baking period.
What should I do after the risotto is finished baking?
Carefully remove the dish from the oven, stir in the parmesan cheese and butter (or olive oil), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How much parmesan cheese is added at the end?
The recipe suggests adding 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, ensure the baking dish is covered tightly with a lid before placing it in the oven.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe recommends using one sliced brown onion.
How do I cook the garlic?
Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the sautéed onion and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
When should the spinach and peas be added?
Fold the baby spinach and frozen peas into the vegetable mixture just before combining everything in the baking dish.
Is it better to use butter or olive oil?
The recipe uses olive oil for sautéing but suggests adding butter for enhanced flavor and creaminess.
How many people does the vegetarian version serve?
The vegetarian version of this dish serves approximately 6-8 people.
What size should the pumpkin pieces be?
The pumpkin should be finely diced into 1-cup portions to ensure it cooks through properly.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be thinly sliced before being added to the pan.
Can I use frozen vegetables besides peas?
While the recipe specifically lists frozen peas, the flexible nature of the dish allows for other vegetable substitutions.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, it is described as a brilliant way to sneak healthy vegetables into meals for children.
What tags describe this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a risotto, baked dish, vegetable-heavy, one-pot meal, chicken-based, and comfort food.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1-2 tablespoons of butter for flavor and creaminess.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, add salt and black pepper to taste for seasoning both the chicken and the final dish.
How much mushroom is used?
The recipe uses 200-300g of fresh, sliced mushrooms.
What makes the texture creamy?
The combination of arborio rice, stock, baking process, and the final addition of parmesan and butter creates the rich, creamy texture.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
It was inspired by a recipe from Donna Hay magazine.
Is the rice cooked before going into the oven?
No, the 1 1/2 cups of arborio rice are added to the baking dish uncooked.