Bloody Beet Risotto Recipe
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.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: beet risotto, vegetarian risotto, arborio rice recipe, Italian vegetarian dish, creamy beet risotto