Put the pistachios in a small saute pan and roast them on the stovetop until they are fragrant are starting to brown. Remove them from the heat. Reserve 6 to 8 pistachios and chop the remainder in a food chopper into rice size pieces. Don't turn them into powder.
Put the chicken base in a heatproof measuring cup and add a cup and a quarter of boiling water. Stir to create the broth and set it aside.
If you have an Instant Pot that has a removable inner pot that can go on the stovetop, then put the inner pot on the stovetop, Otherwise, press the Saute and On button. Put a pat of butter in the pot. Let the butter melt.
Add the onions and let them start to get translucent.
Add the shallots. I used Penzey's freeze-dried shallots, but you are welcome to use fresh shallots if you have them on hand.
Add another pat of butter and the mushrooms.
Add a tablespoon of white wine and saute the mixture.
Push the vegetables to the side and add the chicken.
Saute the chicken so that all sides get a bit cooked. They do not have to be completely cooked because they will be cooked under pressure.
Add the pistachios you chopped up earlier and saute them.
Add the rice and saute it so it gets thoroughly coated.
Remove the pot from the heat or turn off the Instant Pot.
While the pot is still hot, add the wine.
Stir and add the broth you made earlier.
Return the inner pot to the Instant Pot and cover it.
Set the Instant Pot to Pasta/Rice and choose Risotto. If your Instant Pot doesn't have that setting, then set it to 8 minutes on high.
Use natural release which will allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Remove the lid and add the cheese and stir to let it melt.
Add the cream and stir.
Put the risotto in a nice serving dish and garnish it with the remaining pistachio nuts. Enjoy!
Notes
Since this is a high-calorie dish, serve it with steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
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