Instant Pot Creamy Parmesan Brown Rice (GF)

This Creamy Parmesan Brown Rice is similar in texture to risotto and uses a short grain rice for a slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor that enhances every bite. Rich and cheesy, this is an excellent side dish for grilled meats or it makes a delicious vegetarian main course.

The recipe is from my latest book, The Gluten-Free Instant Pot Cookbook written with my friend Sara De Leeuw and published by Harvard Common Press. With over 100 recipes, you will have lots of options to choose from.

When I had to go gluten free, I initially replaced all the pasta we normally ate with rice. But it soon became boring, with me making the same dishes over and over. So, I started looking for ways to incorporate lots of flavor into rice. This Creamy Parmesan Brown Rice was a creation of mine.

Risotto is one of my favorite ways to prepare rice, but I get frustrated with all the stirring at the stove. Normally you make risotto with Arborio rice, but by using a short grain rice, which has more starch in it, in your Instant Pot you get a dish that is very similar to risotto with none of the hassle and stirring.

The Instant Pot has taken the country by storm and rightfully so. It is a remarkable piece of equipment. It can do so many things and replaces a number of other cooking implements, earning its reputation as a true workhorse in the kitchen.

I got a lot of practice with it when I was writing the cookbook and quickly became very comfortable with all the noises it makes. If you’ve been afraid to try yours, this is a good recipe to play with. You can use a couple of different settings, nothing too fancy, and practice different types of pressure releases. Soon you’ll be a pro!   

If you want more recipes to make in your Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker, pick up a copy of our cookbook. We make recommendations for using gluten-free products, but you can substitute regular ingredients if you don’t need to be gluten free.

I hope you make this Creamy Parmesan Brown Rice soon – maybe next weekend to go alongside your grilled meats or poultry? That would be delicious!

And don’t forget to check out the links below the recipe for more wonderful ways to use your Instant Pot!

 

Key Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Brown Rice:

• Olive or vegetable oil
• Onion, carrot, bell pepper
• Short grain brown rice
• Dry white wine or dry vermouth
• Vegetable stock or water
• Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free cheese
• Thyme and oregano
• Black pepper
• Frozen peas

 

What type of rice do I need to use for this recipe?

The recipe calls for short-grain brown rice, but you could use a medium-grain brown rice if that’s what you have in your pantry. You can use the same cooking directions and timings. It just won’t be quite as creamy because it has less natural starch in it, but the dish will still be delicious and a crowd pleaser.

 

All I have is white rice in my pantry, can I use that?

You can, but you have to adjust the cooking time! If it is long-grain white rice, you want to rinse it well until the water runs clear, then cook it on high pressure for 3 minutes, do a natural release for 12 minutes, then release any remaining pressure by turning the steam release handle to the venting position. Carefully open the lid and rake the grains to fluff them up (they will separate and not be very sticky) before stirring in the peas and sprinkling the cheese on top.  

 

PRO Tip:

When using the sauté feature with a pressure cooker, always deglaze the pan before continuing with the recipe. This means adding liquid and scraping the bottom of the pan completely, being sure that nothing is stuck on the surface. This will help you avoid getting the dreaded burn notice!

 

How to make Creamy Parmesan Brown Rice:

1. Heat the oil and sauté the onions, carrots, and bell pepper until softened
2. Stir in the herbs then the rice, stirring to coat the rice grains with the oil
3. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until absorbed; pour in the broth and press Cancel
4. Secure the lid and turn handle to the sealing position; cook on high pressure for 23 minutes then naturally release pressure for 12 minutes and finally quick release any remaining steam
5. Stir in the peas and sprinkle the rice with the Parmesan, replace the lid and let rest until the peas are cooked and the cheese is melted; serve immediately

 

Kitchen Tools I Use to Make This Recipe (affiliate links):

• Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Flat wooden spoon
• Liquid measuring cups
• Dry measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

 

Gluten-Free Tips:

Be sure the stock/broth you use is gluten-free, that is one of the places where gluten can hide. Only use dedicated wooden implements in your cooking to keep your celiac or gluten-intolerant family and friends safe. If in doubt, buy a new one! 

 

 

Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a progressive dinner party where each course is held at a different home. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. This month’s theme is Instant Pot Cooking (or pressure cooking) hosted by Karen of Karen’s Kitchen Stories. We have a great mix of recipes including appetizers, entrées, sides, and dessert for you to enjoy.

 

See the links below for more inspiration and great recipes!

 

 

If you love this recipe, be sure to follow me on social media so you never miss a post:

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