When you you have leftover risotto, you may wonder if you can freeze it. Simply put, yes, risotto can be frozen. The creamy rice dish is comforting, rich, and delicious. It's hard to think there would ever be leftovers. But when there is, saving it to enjoy later is the way to go so there is no wasting this delightful dish. Fortunately, freezing risotto is really easy and it does freezes well if you do it the proper way.
It is an Italian classic recipe that is enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main dish. I admit that eating it fresh is always best. The creamy rich texture is best to be enjoyed immediately. However, when you find yourself with extras, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment with a few easy steps. I have included the best way to reheat risotto on the stovetop below.
Risotto has been around for centuries and has origins from Italy as far back as the 14th century BC. The History of Risotto is all about the short-grain rice originally grown in Italy. This climate and soil are perfect to grow the type of rice that makes risotto so creamy and thick.
How to Freeze Risotto
It is safe to freeze restaurant and homemade risotto leftovers. Though it is best to eat it fresh or reheated from the refrigerator, freezing it is ok too. As long as you store and label it properly, you can thaw, reheat, and enjoy risotto later.
To freeze risotto, place it in an air-tight Ziploc bag or container. You do not want any air getting to it, so press the air out of the Ziploc bag so it is snug. Also, if you spoon it into a container, press plastic wrap directly on top of the risotto. The plastic wrap ensures there is no air between the risotto and the lid you place on top.
Be sure to label the risotto with the date and what type of risotto it is. This should include what type of broth was used to make it. This is key for rewarming frozen risotto when you need to bring it back to life with the same broth originally used.
How Long Does Frozen Risotto Last?
It is safe to store risotto in the freeze for up to 30 days. Be sure it is stored as directed above and has been labeled. t will be a bit grainy and the rice will lately harden again.
How to Defrost Frozen Risotto
The best way to defrost risotto is to place the frozen container into the refrigerator. Let the risotto slowly come thaw in 1-2 days. It will depend on the size of the amount you are defrosting.
Refrigerating Leftover Risotto
Once you have defrosted the frozen risotto, it is best to eat it within 2 days of being thawed. If it was never frozen, and you simply refrigerated it, you can store it for up to 4 days safely. You can eat risotto that is up to 4 days old. It lasts as long as it has been stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will store well and can be enjoyed.
How to Reheat Risotto
The best way to reheat leftover risotto is by bringing it back to life with some additional broth. Depending on what the original broth used in the recipe was, you will want some of that to get that creaminess back in the risotto. This is why it is best to label it with the type of risotto and broth when you originally froze it.
You can reheat frozen risotto in the microwave without any thawing. Microwave the frozen risotto in a microwave-safe dish in 2-minute intervals on the DEFROST setting. Stir between each interval.
Can you eat cold risotto the next day? Of course, you can. Any food that is store-properly can be eaten in a cold refrigerated state. It may taste best warmed up but some people love cold leftovers. I know many in my family, including myself, love cold pizza. So why not!
Best Way to Reheat Risotto
Reheating previously frozen and now thawed risotto can be done on the stovetop. That is the best way to warm up leftover risotto. It only takes a few minutes and comes out well.
For every 1 cup of risotto, bring about 2 Tablespoons of broth (whichever you used to make your original recipes) to a boil on the stove. Use a pot that will fit the risotto. If you don’t happen to have broth, water can work in a pinch. It will dilute the rich flavor but it will still be better than no added liquid at all.
Once the broth is warm, add the risotto and stir it for a few minutes until the rice warms up. If the risotto is still quite thick, you can add a bit more broth, as needed, to loosen it up.
Once you have the risotto flavorful again, enjoy a full meal. Find some great recipes for WHAT TO SERVE WITH RISOTTO.
SEE THE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL INSTRUCTIONS ON REHEATING
How to Reheat Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 cup leftover risotto from the refrigerator
- 2 tablespoon broth * see note above
Instructions
- Bring 2 Tablespoons of broth (whichever you used to make your original recipes) to a boil on the stove. Use a pot that will fit the risotto and have it on high heat.
- Once the broth reaches a boil, turn the heat down to medium. Add 1 cup of leftover risotto. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low-medium, stirring constantly. This will help heat the risotto thoroughly and bring it back to a creamy texture. * add more broth if needed - every risotto recipe will be different so this may be needed.
- Once creamy and warm, it is ready to serve. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply