Romantic Beetroot Risotto

Name: Romantic Beetroot Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice; 1 medium beetroot, cooked and grated; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup white wine; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Heritage Collection

I'm excited to share my recipe for Romantic Beetroot Risotto, a dish that always evokes love and warmth at my dinner table. This vibrant risotto, with its stunning deep pink hue, not only looks impressive but also delivers a flavor profile that's both earthy and slightly sweet. I love its creamy texture, paired with the richness of Parmesan, making it an ideal dish for intimate evenings or special occasions. Let me show you how to create this gorgeous meal that brings a touch of romance to any dinner.

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:29:35.296Z

Creating this Romantic Beetroot Risotto is always a joyful experience for me. The vibrant colors of the beets transform the dish into a lovely centerpiece. I remember the first time I made it for a special dinner; the combination of earthy beetroot with creamy arborio rice was a hit. A little trick I often use is to stir in a bit of lemon juice at the end to really enhance those flavors and add a pop of freshness.

When it comes to cooking risotto, patience is key. I learned to keep the heat low and add the stock gradually, letting the rice absorb the liquid slowly. This technique not only helps achieve that creamy texture but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For an added twist, pairing this risotto with a sprinkle of goat cheese on top will elevate the dish even further!

        Why You'll Love This Romantic Beetroot Risotto
        Stunningly vibrant color makes it a showstopper at the table
Rich and creamy with a hint of sweetness from the beets
Perfect for date nights or special occasions

      

The Magic of Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is key to achieving the creamy texture characteristic of risotto. This short-grain rice has a high starch content, which is released as it cooks, creating a velvety sauce. When toasting the rice, ensure it just begins to turn translucent, as this step enhances the nuttiness of the grains. If you substitute with another rice, such as jasmine or basmati, you may not achieve the same creamy consistency.

For the best results, stir the risotto frequently but gently. This continuous movement encourages the release of starch, contributing to the dish's creaminess. Be cautious not to over-stir, as this can break the grains and lead to a mushy texture. Aim for a balance: enough patience to coax out the creamy goodness while also allowing the rice grains to retain a bit of their structure.

Perfecting Beetroot Integration

Incorporating beetroot not only adds vibrant color but also a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the creaminess of the risotto. When grating your cooked beetroot, ensure you achieve a fine consistency; larger pieces can disrupt the smooth texture you're striving for. If you're in a pinch, pre-cooked beetroot from the store is a convenient option to save time.

Taste as you finish your risotto to adjust the seasoning. Beets can vary in sweetness depending on their freshness and variety, so you may need to add a touch more salt or even a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors. For a twist, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of balsamic vinegar to elevate the dish just before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful risotto:

Ingredients

1 cup arborio rice
1 medium beetroot, cooked and grated
4 cups vegetable broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure all your ingredients are prepared and ready for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Romantic Beetroot Risotto:

Sauté the aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Toast the rice

Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.

Add the wine

Pour in the white wine and stir until it has mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.

Gradually add broth

Start adding the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid fully before adding the next. Continue this process for about 20 minutes.

Incorporate beetroot

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the grated beetroot, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve and garnish

Serve the risotto warm, garnished with fresh parsley. For an extra indulgence, consider adding crumbled goat cheese on top.

Enjoy your Romantic Beetroot Risotto and the delightful flavors it brings to your dining experience!

Pro Tips

For best results, use freshly grated beetroot and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Adjust the consistency of your risotto by adding more broth if necessary, and remember to taste as you go.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can cook it to just before incorporating the beetroot and cheese. Let it cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and regain that creamy consistency, stirring on low heat until heated through.

Freezing risotto is not recommended because the texture changes significantly when defrosted. However, if you find yourself with excess, consider transforming it into beetroot risotto balls (arancini). Shape the cooled risotto into balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden brown for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To enhance the romantic atmosphere of your meal, serve your beetroot risotto with a light salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery notes of the arugula contrast beautifully with the creamy risotto and balance its sweetness. For a beverage pairing, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red can complement the dish nicely.

For a gourmet touch, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture and nuttiness. Additionally, crumbled goat cheese not only adds creaminess but its tangy flavor beautifully offsets the sweet notes of the beetroot. Present it in shallow bowls for a lovely visual effect, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley for that extra pop of color.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this risotto vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the vegetable broth with a vegan option and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan and add a little water or broth to loosen the consistency.

→ Can I use frozen beetroot?

Yes, frozen beetroot can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain excess water before incorporating it into the risotto.

→ What can I serve with this risotto?

This risotto pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, making for a delightful meal.