Make this budget tomato risotto if you're strapped for cash, time or inspiration - it's quick, easy, cheap and tasty.
This recipe is one of our best value cheap family meals. Our mummy blogger Anneliese, says: 'This tomato risotto is my children's favourite meal. My four year old son is rather fussy when it comes to food but always scrapes his plate clean when I serve up this favoured dish! I used to make risotto with expensive risotto rice, believing that there was no alternative. However, I have since discovered that basic white rice works just as well, thanks to Jack Monroe! It really has to be tried to be believed. I now use affordable basic white rice in place of risotto rice and no one can tell the difference; it works perfectly.'
Ingredients
- 300g basic white rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 30g butter
- 300ml water
- 500ml passata
- 250g salad tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 75g -100g mature cheddar cheese
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- First of all, place the rice, diced onion and butter into your large bowl, cover the bowl with cling film and place into your microwave. Cook on high for 3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and peel off the cling film. It's a good idea to use oven gloves as you do this as the steam is very, very hot!
- Stir in the passata and water, and then place the bowl back into the microwave and cook for a further 10 minutes, this time uncovered.
- Meanwhile, chop your tomatoes and thinly slice the cheese; I am too lazy to grate the cheese but it's up to you!
- Add the tomatoes and cheese to the bowl and give the mixture a good old stir. You will see that the cheese will start to melt immediately.
- Place the bowl back into the microwave one final time and continue to cook for another 8 minutes; by then the rice and tomatoes should be cooked through.
- Give the risotto a stir before serving, to avoid any rice sticking to the bowl. You can sprinkle over a little grated cheese, if you have any spare!
Top tip for making tomato risotto
There is no need to stand over a hot stove, continuously stirring your risotto. It is made in the microwave so you can put your feet up while it cooks.
Author, writer and Mum of three, Anneliese Giggins has been creating recipes for Goodto.com for the past 9 years. She has also created food-related content for household names such as Daily Mail, Daily Express and Goodto.com. Her most successful to date was how to feed a family of 4 on £20 a week.
-
Lemon chicken and pea risotto
This delicious and healthy lemon chicken and pea risotto recipe is so easy to make at home. Plus it will take only 45 mins to prepare and cook
By Octavia Lillywhite Published
-
Chicken and pea risotto
This delicious chicken and pea risotto is flavoured with thyme, white wine and Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy dish that all the family will love.
By Octavia Lillywhite Published
-
Mushroom, bacon and pea risotto
Mushroom, bacon and pea risotto is a great dish if you're stuck with leftovers in the fridge, and it's the perfect alternative to a Carbonara or bacon and mushroom pasta
By Octavia Lillywhite Published
-
Sweet potato and courgette fish cakes
These sweet potato and courgette fish cakes take 30 minutes to make and can be served with chips, salad, or steamed veg on the side...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Chicken and spinach lasagne
This chicken and spinach lasagne is a great new take on the family favourite and it’s easy to prepare during the day to cook come dinner time...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Broccoli pasta with pancetta
This broccoli pasta with pancetta takes 30 minutes to cook making it a great speedy family dinner...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry’s ‘favourite’ childhood meals are surprisingly ‘normal’ and easy to recreate for family dinners
The brother's enjoyed "traditional, English food"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton has reportedly ‘FaceTimed’ her kids everyday while in hospital as Prince William holds down the fort at home
The Princess of Wales is recovering from surgery in The London Clinic
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Why George, Charlotte and Louis won’t be joining the rest of the family for Christmas dinner
He'll be sat at a different table from King Charles and senior Royals...
By Adam England Published