This Creamy Beet and Cheddar Risotto brings together the earthy flavors of beets and the sharpness of cheddar cheese in a rich and comforting dish. The vibrant pink color adds a pop to your dinner table, making it visually appealing and delightful. With a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness from the beets, this risotto is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends or family. It's a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal while still indulging in the creamy goodness of risotto.
Ingredients
- 2 large beets, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer.
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced beets and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Remove the beets from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until they become translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat the rice with the oil and onion mixture.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice absorbs the wine.
- Add a ladleful of the simmering vegetable broth to the rice and stir gently until absorbed.
- Continue adding the broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice is cooked al dente. This process will take about 20-25 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked beets and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot and let the risotto rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the creamy beet and cheddar risotto hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Beets are a great source of nutrients and are known for their natural sweetness.
The deep red color of beets is due to a pigment called betanin, which has antioxidant properties.
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that is made by slowly cooking Arborio rice in broth until creamy and tender.