Who are these options for?

People hosting several guests

You’re looking for the right amount for your group and comparing pack weights with the number of servings stated.

People looking to keep preparation to a minimum

You’d prefer a frozen risotto with clear cooking instructions, particularly if it can go straight from the freezer into the frying pan.

People who pay attention to ingredients

You need to check for meat or any ingredients to avoid before serving the same dish to all your guests.

What should you look for before choosing?

If you’re opting for a frozen meal, first work out how much you need to serve, then check the cooking instructions and ingredients of the recipe you choose.

What to consider What to check Who is it for?
How much to serve The net weight and stated number of servings; plan how many packs you’ll need accordingly. If I’m hosting several people, I want to make sure there’s enough risotto for everyone. This would be a priority for around 40% of consumers.
Preparation time Whether the product needs defrosting and the cooking instructions for the one you choose. On the evening of the meal, I want to spend as little time as possible preparing the dish. Around 30% of consumers would put speed first.
Ingredients The ingredients list, allergen information and whether it contains meat if you’re planning a meat-free menu. If a guest avoids certain ingredients, I want to choose a recipe that suits them. For around 30% of consumers, this would be a priority.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Going by pack weight alone

    A large pack doesn’t tell you how many people it will serve, especially if the risotto is the main course rather than a side dish.

    Check the stated servings for the product you choose, then adjust the amount depending on how you plan to serve the risotto.

  • Assuming every risotto suits the same menu

    The recipes we looked at vary: some contain chicken, while others include ingredients such as dairy products or egg.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product before serving it to guests with dietary requirements.

  • Forgetting about the cooking instructions

    According to the instructions, Auchan Risotto verde can be cooked in a frying pan without defrosting first. It takes 12 minutes, covered, with regular stirring. You’ll also need a frying pan large enough for a family-sized pack.

    Check the instructions for your chosen product and make sure you have the necessary equipment before the meal.

  • Not storing it correctly after purchase

    The DGCCRF advises that rising temperatures speed up microbial growth and can make food unsafe to eat.

    Pick up frozen foods towards the end of your shop, transport them quickly, and follow the storage and defrosting instructions on the packaging.

Brands and ranges to consider

Côté Table

E.Leclerc’s Marque Repère range includes a 900 g frozen chicken and mushroom risotto.

  • The 900 g pack could be worth considering for a shared meal, once you’ve checked the number of servings.
  • According to the ingredients information published by E.Leclerc, this recipe contains chicken, crème fraîche, cheese and sulphites, among other ingredients.

Auchan

Auchan’s frozen Risotto verde comes in a 900 g pack, stated to serve three, with green vegetables and a cream and Parmesan sauce.

  • The instructions say to cook it in a frying pan for 12 minutes without defrosting it first.
  • The recipe contains dairy products; also check the information about possible traces of allergens.

Carrefour Extra

The range includes a 500 g frozen porcini mushroom risotto, which Carrefour describes as made in Italy with Italian-grown rice.

  • The published ingredients list states that it contains 10% porcini mushrooms and does not list meat.
  • This recipe contains cream, cheeses, butter and egg lysozyme.

La Cuisine des Saveurs

This Aldi brand includes a 900 g frozen chicken, mushroom and cream risotto.

  • The 900 g pack is worth considering if you’re preparing a meal for several people.
  • The chicken recipe isn’t suitable for a meat-free menu; check the ingredients on the packaging.

Riso Gallo

Gallo Per Risotti is dry rice to cook yourself, not a frozen risotto that’s ready to cook.

  • The recipe listed by Auchan calls for 320 g of rice for four people and takes around 18 minutes to cook. You can choose which ingredients to add.
  • You’ll need to prepare the dish yourself and have ingredients including stock, butter, white wine and Parmesan to follow this recipe.

Risottos available on Joybuy

These two Marie risottos come in different sizes for your evening. Check the servings, ingredients and preparation instructions for each product before choosing.

Marie chicken, cream and mushroom risotto, 300 g

Marie Chicken, Cream and Mushroom Risotto 300 g

If you’re planning to serve this 300 g pack, check the number of servings stated on the packaging.

Also check the ingredients and preparation instructions for this product if they could affect your choice.

View on Joybuy
Marie Risotto Plet Champ, 900 g

Marie Risotto Plet Champ 900 g

If you’re considering this 900 g pack for several guests, check how many servings it provides.

Also check the ingredients and cooking instructions on the packaging before planning your meal.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How much risotto should I allow for several guests?

Compare the net weight with the stated number of servings, then work out how much you’ll need depending on whether the risotto is a main course or a side dish. For example, Auchan describes its 900 g Risotto verde as a pack of three servings. Check the information for the product you choose.

Do I need to defrost frozen risotto before cooking it?

Not always. The instructions for Auchan Risotto verde say to cook it in a frying pan without defrosting it first, with two tablespoons of water, for 12 minutes over a medium heat, stirring regularly. Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought rather than applying this method to every risotto.

Which ingredients should I check before serving prepared risotto?

Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product. The ingredients information published by Carrefour and E.Leclerc shows that their recipes may contain egg or sulphites, as well as dairy products. Check carefully for any information about possible traces of allergens, too.

How should I store frozen risotto after shopping?

Keep it cold while you’re travelling home and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF says that rising temperatures speed up microbial growth. Also follow the product instructions on defrosting and refreezing.