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Bloody Beet Risotto Recipe

Bloody Beet Risotto Recipe

5 from 11 reviews

This Bloody Beet Risotto is a vibrant and creamy Italian-inspired dish that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with classic arborio rice cooked to perfection. Enhanced by white wine, garlic, and Parmesan, it makes a deliciously colorful and comforting meal suitable for vegetarians.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids and Broth

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup beet juice
  • 1/2 cup white wine

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small beet, grated
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Dairy

  • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm Broth and Beet Juice: In a saucepan, combine the vegetable broth and beet juice and keep it warm over low heat to ensure even cooking later.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Toast Arborio Rice: Add the arborio rice to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir continually for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the rice grains become translucent and the rice develops a lightly toasted aroma.
  4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly and cooking until most of the liquid evaporates, which enhances the flavor of the risotto.
  5. Cook with Broth Mixture: Begin adding the warm broth and beet juice mixture one ladleful at a time to the rice, stirring constantly. Wait until each addition is mostly absorbed before adding the next. This gradual process ensures the rice releases its starch, creating a creamy texture.
  6. Add Grated Beet: When the rice is halfway cooked, stir in the grated beet. Continue cooking and adding broth as needed, until the rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes in total.
  7. Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Serve the risotto hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use warm broth and beet juice to maintain consistent cooking temperature and avoid interrupting the cooking process.
  • Stir gently but continuously to release the rice’s starch and achieve a creamy risotto.
  • Fresh beet juice can be substituted with store-bought beet juice if fresh is unavailable.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Beets can stain hands and surfaces; wear gloves or handle carefully when grating.

Nutrition

Keywords: beet risotto, vegetarian risotto, arborio rice recipe, Italian vegetarian dish, creamy beet risotto