Sunday, July 20, 2008

Beet and Cheddar Risotto

Inspiration:
Beets from our CSA and this Food and Wine recipe.

Ingredients:
  • 1 medium beet, peeled and quartered
  • 2 cups loosely packed beet greens, stems trimmed
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving

Ingredients:
  1. Place the beet in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the beet greens and pulse until finely chopped.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and vegetable broth to a simmer. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened, 3 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the beets and beet greens and cook for 1 minute. Add the broth to the large saucepan, 1 cup at a time, and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the liquid is nearly absorbed between additions, 20 minutes. Add the cheddar; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring until the risotto is creamy and thick, 3 minutes longer. Serve in deep bowls, passing the Parmigiano-Reggiano on the side.

Notes: It turned out a little al dente, but I was happy with my first attempt at risotto! I actually thought it tasted better before I added the cheddar, and I am the world's biggest cheese lover. It looked so beautiful! This would be a great side dish for the holidays with its festive appearance.

Tim's Rating: 8/10
Liz's Rating: 8/10

7 comments:

Erin said...

we got beets from our CSA too, but I didn't keep the greens because of limited space in my fridge and me not thinking we'd eat them - would this work without the greens? Could I substitute another type of greens?

Liz said...

Erin-
You could definitely leave out the greens. If you have chard, it's pretty much the same as beet greens. Spinach would work too. But if you have neither in the fridge, don't bother buying any, and just leave it without. Let me know how it works out!
Liz

Insomniac said...

beets! hmm.. but maybe Mmm! I'll have to try it to see

Sherri said...

I can't wait to make this! I'm another CSA person and this looks like a great beet recipe!

What's Cookin Chicago said...

The color of this risotto is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I lvoe beets and seriously...that is the COOLEST color rissotto ever!!

gaga said...

Whoa, that's a crazy color! I love it!