Beet and Cheddar Risotto

This recipe is sweet and creamy. It uses the entire beet. It's pink color is a bonus. A glass of Chardonnay goes perfectly with this dish.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 354 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 beet, peeled and quartered
• 2 cups loosely packed beet greens, stems trimmed
• grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the beet and greens in a blender or food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

Step 2

Bring the water and broth to a simmer in a large pot over medium-low heat.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; cook and stir the onion in the oil until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the rice; cook and stir another 2 minutes. Mix in the beet and beet green mixture, cooking another minute. Pour in the broth mixture 1 cup at a time, allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding each batch, stirring continually; reduce heat to medium and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in the Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until creamy and thick, about 3 minutes more. Serve with Parmesan cheese.