Author Notes
The first beet risotto I made was with a jar of sweet baby beets I was given as a gift. It was good, but really much too sweet for a main meal. It would have made a very nice side to a roast pork tenderloin. This second time though, I made the risotto with a can of beets – I have to admit, I’ve never tackled fresh beets at home. I pureed the beets and folded them into the risotto once it was cooked. The result was hot pink, but delicious. And then there was the really inspired part – I crumbled goat cheese on top! It was the same tart, sweet combination I love in a goat cheese and beet salad, but without the texture – it was delicious. Next time, I would go with more goat cheese, and maybe a few fresh herbs, but this is going to be a new standby – hot pink and all. —Erin H
Ingredients
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4 cups
chicken stock
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2 tablespoons
butter
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1 ounce
small onion, diced
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1 cup
Arborio rice
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1/2 cup
dry white wine
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1/2 cup
freshly grated parmesan
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salt & pepper
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4 ounces
goat cheese
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1
15 oz. can of beets pureed
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1 tablespoon
fresh parsley
Directions
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Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions, reduce heat, and cook slowly until onions are soft and translucent. Add rice and stir for about a minute to toast. Add the wine, increase heat and simmer, stirring constantly until the pan is almost dry.
This process should take about 30 minutes: Add enough stock to cover the surface of the rice, about 2 cups, and stir constantly until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add another ½ cup of the stock, stirring constantly again until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add the last ½ c. of stock and stir constantly until all of the liquid has been absorbed. At this point, the rice should be tender, but firm to the bite. If you like your risotto less al dente, continue to cook, adding a ½ cup of boiling water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Remove the pan from the heat. Quickly puree the beets. Add the parmesan to the risotto and combine. Fold in the beet puree until completely combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Plate the risotto and crumble the goat cheese on top. Garnish with more parmesan, parsley, and pepper.
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