The $3.99 Trader Joe’s Freezer Find That Tastes Homemade

A good risotto is like a little black dress. It’s simple, yet refined. A really good one must be perfectly, precisely made. You can dress it up or down to fit the occasion, and it’s always in style. 

I adore a steamy, comforting bowl of risotto, but I only make it a few times a year because the dish is a labor of love. So, when I saw a bag of Risotto Semplice for $3.99 in the freezer section at Trader Joe’s, I was skeptical but intrigued. Could a frozen risotto hit the same spot? I tossed the bag in my cart and took it home to find out.

What Is Risotto Semplice?

Risotto Semplice translates to simple risotto, and Trader Joe’s version is based on the classic Risotto Milanese that’s been perfumed and colored with a hint of saffron. It's a typical risotto made with Carnaroli rice, simmered and stirred with vegetable broth to bring out the rice’s naturally creamy starch, which is further amplified with a bit of heavy cream and cheese.

Homemade risotto is a commitment. To really nail it, a cook must follow a specific set of instructions carefully, wedding herself to a pot that must be continuously stirred to release the starch from the short-grained rice.

That’s not the case with the Trader Joe’s version, which requires just 6 to 8 minutes of stovetop cooking to go from freezer to plate. Transfer the frozen risotto to a pot over medium heat and stir it a bit as it cooks, but by all means, work on other things at the same time. All of the laborious parts of risotto have been done for you.

My Honest Review of Trader Joe’s Risotto Semplice

I have to admit, I was very skeptical about the idea of a frozen risotto actually being serviceable, let alone delicious. I’ve seen one too many Top Chef contestants pack their knives and go after serving lackluster risotto, and the idea that I could enjoy a satisfying bowl of risotto from a bag in under 10 minutes struck me as preposterous. 

But about seven minutes after emptying the contents of the Risotto Semplice bag into a pot on the stove, I was met with a fragrant, velvety risotto that transported me to a quaint Italian trattoria. Though I could tell the difference between it and homemade risotto, Trader Joe’s Risotto Semplice was about as close to the real thing as I could imagine for something that came from the frozen food section, and my husband and I agreed it would be worth keeping a few bags in the freezer for weeknight dinners.

How To Serve Trader Joe's Risotto Semplice

If you’re looking for a tasty, quick-cooking side dish for a weeknight dinner, Risotto Semplice is a great choice. Traditionally, this type of risotto is served with roasted meats, like osso buco. And while that’s a great option when you have time for it, this quick-cooking risotto would also pair well with lighter dishes, like grilled chicken, seared scallops, or a simple vegetable skillet. 

The first time I tried TJ’s Risotto Semplice, I imagined myself adding all sorts of things to it, thinking I would need to get it ‘right.’ And you certainly could add fresh torn basil or a smattering of chives. You could grate Parmesan on top, swirl in a handful of lemon zest, and add rendered bacon or toasted pine nuts for a little savory crunch.

But this risotto doesn’t need any of those things. Its strength is its simplicity, and it’s perfectly delightful on its own.

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