Savory Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto Gift Mix
Delight your loved ones with this beautifully layered Savory Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto Gift Mix. Perfectly designed for gift-giving, this recipe is inspired by the classic flavors of Italian cuisine and features homemade or high-quality sun-dried tomatoes combined with aromatic herbs. Each jar holds the promise of a comforting and satisfying meal that looks gorgeous and tastes even better. Pair this gift mix with a wedge of gourmet Parmesan cheese and a fine bottle of wine for an unforgettable present. The thoughtful preparation is easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. With 4 jars, each capable of serving 6, this mix is a fantastic way to share the warmth of home-cooked meals during the festive season or any special occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Arborio rice
3.5 cups (none)
Dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
3/4 cup (snipped into small pieces)
Chicken bouillon granules
8 teaspoons (mixed with spices)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (mixed with spices)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (mixed with spices)
Dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (mixed with spices)
Dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon (mixed with spices)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with spices)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the chicken bouillon granules, oregano, garlic powder, rosemary, basil, and black pepper. Mix well.
2
Take four wide-mouth half-pint canning jars and evenly distribute the seasoning mixture into the bottom of each jar as the first layer.
3
Using kitchen scissors, snip the dried tomatoes into small pieces. Evenly distribute the snipped sun-dried tomatoes among the jars on top of the seasoning layer.
4
Top each jar with Arborio rice, filling to the top. You may need to adjust the amount slightly but aim to fill each jar completely.
5
Seal the jars tightly with plastic storage caps, ensuring contents are secure.
6
Attach a note to each jar with the following preparation instructions for the recipient:
7
Additional ingredients needed: 3 cups of water, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
8
Cooking Instructions: In a large, heavy saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the contents of the jar to the boiling water, stirring well.
9
Return to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
10
After 20 minutes, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
11
Finally, stir in the freshly grated cheese and serve, enjoying the creamy, flavorful risotto.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto Gift Mix?
It is a beautifully layered dry ingredient mix packaged in jars, designed as a thoughtful homemade gift that creates a creamy Italian-style risotto.
How many jars does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to fill four wide-mouth half-pint canning jars.
What type of rice is best for this risotto mix?
Arborio rice is used because its high starch content creates the signature creamy texture of a traditional risotto.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
No, you should use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes to ensure the mix remains shelf-stable and doesn't make the other dry ingredients soggy.
How should I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
Use kitchen scissors to snip the dried tomatoes into small pieces before adding them to the jars.
What are the layers in the jar?
The jars are layered starting with the seasoning mixture at the bottom, followed by snipped sun-dried tomatoes, and topped with Arborio rice.
What herbs are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning blend contains dried oregano, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and dried basil leaves.
How many servings does each gift jar provide?
Each half-pint jar is capable of serving approximately 6 people once cooked.
What additional ingredients will the recipient need to cook the risotto?
The recipient will need 3 cups of water and 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
What are the basic cooking instructions for the recipient?
Boil 3 cups of water, add the jar contents, simmer covered for 20 minutes, let sit for 5 minutes, and stir in cheese.
How much bouillon is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules, which is distributed evenly among the four jars.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
As written with chicken bouillon, it is not strictly vegetarian, but you can easily substitute vegetable bouillon granules to make it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of jars should I use for gifting?
Wide-mouth half-pint canning jars are recommended for the best presentation and ease of layering.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan and Romano are recommended for their salty, nutty profiles, any hard Italian-style aged cheese will work well.
How do I ensure the jars look full and attractive?
After adding the seasonings and tomatoes, fill the remainder of the jar to the very top with Arborio rice to prevent the layers from shifting.
Is it necessary to stir the risotto while it simmers?
Unlike traditional risotto made on the stovetop, this version is designed to simmer covered for 20 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.
What is the purpose of letting the risotto sit for 5 minutes after cooking?
This resting period allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining moisture and helps develop the creamy texture.
What kind of lid should be used for the jars?
Plastic storage caps are recommended to seal the jars tightly and keep the contents fresh.
How much water is needed for one jar of the mix?
One jar requires exactly 3 cups of water for the cooking process.
Can I add other spices to the mix?
Yes, you can customize the herb profile, but the current blend of oregano, basil, and rosemary is specifically designed for a classic Italian flavor.
What size saucepan should the recipient use?
A large, heavy saucepan is best to ensure even heat and to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
The salt is primarily provided by the chicken bouillon granules, so additional salt is generally not needed.
How much black pepper is in the mix?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper distributed across the four jars.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
For a dry gift mix, you must use dried herbs to prevent spoilage and ensure the mix is shelf-stable.
What is a good way to present this gift?
You can attach a decorative note with cooking instructions and pair it with a bottle of wine or a wedge of cheese.
Does the recipe use garlic powder or fresh garlic?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to keep the mix dry and shelf-stable.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished dish is a creamy, savory risotto with tender rice and flavorful bits of sun-dried tomato.
How many teaspoons of dried basil are used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves for the entire batch.
Can the recipient add protein to the dish?
Yes, the recipient could easily stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms at the end of the cooking process.
How long does it take to prepare the jars?
Preparation is very quick, requiring only a few minutes to mix the seasonings and layer the ingredients into the jars.