Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese

Name: Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 medium beets, cooked and pureed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Highlighted under: Modern Collection

I love making this vibrant Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese because it's a true feast for the senses. The earthy sweetness of the beets paired with the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese creates a delightful harmony that I can't resist. It's perfect for impressing guests or simply treating myself on a cozy night in. The technique of slowly stirring in the broth ensures a creamy texture, and I often garnish it with fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen!

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:18:37.199Z

I remember the first time I made Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese; it was a culinary adventure that paid off deliciously! I was amazed at how the beets transformed the risotto into a stunning magenta, instantly elevating the dish. Using homemade broth instead of store-bought made a noticeable improvement in depth of flavor, a trick I’d recommend to anyone looking to enhance their risotto.

This dish is not just about looks; the balancing act of flavors between the earthy beets and the rich, creamy goat cheese creates a perfect harmony that keeps me going back for seconds. Experimenting with fresh herbs like dill or chives on top gave it the fresh kick it needed. I assure you, it's a dish that will leave a lasting impression!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Vibrant color that catches the eye
Creamy texture paired with tangy goat cheese
Perfectly comforting for any occasion

      

Understanding the Role of Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is pivotal in achieving the creamy consistency that defines risotto. This short-grain variety has a higher starch content compared to regular rice, which contributes to the dish's rich texture. When sautéing the rice, aim for a slight translucency; this stage indicates that the grains are heating evenly and preparing to absorb the broth effectively. If you can't find Arborio rice, you can substitute it with Carnaroli or Vialone Nano rice, which are also excellent choices for risotto.

While stirring in the broth, it's crucial to maintain a gentle simmer. This heat allows the rice to release starches gradually, creating that characteristic creaminess. Be cautious not to rush the process by adding too much broth at once; instead, follow the one-ladle-at-a-time method. This technique helps ensure that each addition is fully absorbed before the next, resulting in perfectly al dente rice.

Tips for Perfect Beet Puree

For this recipe, using cooked and pureed beets enhances both the flavor and color of the risotto. If you prefer a fresh beet taste, roast or steam your beets until tender, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes; after peeling, they can be blended smoothly. This method not only enriches the dish's taste with a subtle earthiness but also deepens the vibrant hue that makes this risotto visually appealing.

To achieve a silky-smooth beet puree, ensure that your blender or food processor is high-powered. If your puree feels too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of water to reach the desired consistency. Keep the beet puree aside until it's time to incorporate it with the rice, as adding it too early could change the cooking process and result in a less creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese is an opportunity to get creative. I love topping it with additional crumbled goat cheese or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra layer of flavor. If you're looking to elevate the dish even further, consider adding toasted nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy risotto.

For a heartier version, you can mix in sautéed greens such as spinach or kale right before serving. This not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the color palette of your dish. If you want to experiment beyond beets, try incorporating other root vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or carrots, adjusting the puree to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful meal:

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 medium beets, cooked and pureed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Transform these ingredients into a spectacular dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Beet Risotto:

Prepare the Broth

In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it on low heat, ensuring it remains warm throughout the cooking process.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Toast the Rice

Add Arborio rice to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly translucent.

Add Wine

Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer, stirring continuously until almost all the liquid is absorbed.

Incorporate Broth and Beets

Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring after each addition. Once the broth is almost absorbed, add the beet puree. Continue this process for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.

Finish Risotto

Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serve

Plate the risotto and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Your delicious Beet Risotto is now ready to be served!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon zest just before serving. This brightens up the dish beautifully. Also, feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent the rice from becoming too dry. Gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain the creamy texture, avoiding the need to re-cook the dish from scratch.

If you want to make this risotto ahead of time, prepare everything up to the final addition of broth and beet puree. Store the components separately in the fridge; when you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the broth, stir it into the rice, and add the beet puree when almost done. This keeps flavors vibrant and fresh while ensuring the right texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your risotto turns out too dry, it may be because the broth was absorbed too quickly. To remedy this, have extra warm broth ready for gradual incorporation. It’s also a good practice to taste your risotto midway through cooking; this way, you can adjust the liquid and maintain the right consistency.

Should you find that the risotto is too runny, reduce the heat and stir it gently for a few more minutes. This additional cooking time allows excess liquid to evaporate, thickening the dish. Remember, risotto should be creamy but not soupy, so keep monitoring as it cooks to perfect the texture.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning a dinner party or want leftovers, scaling this beet risotto recipe is straightforward. Simply double or triple the ingredients, ensuring you have enough pots or pans that can accommodate the increased volume without crowding the rice.

When multiplying the recipe, take care not to increase the cooking time significantly; keep stirring and adding broth as you would with the single batch. It might take a few extra minutes due to the larger quantity, but maintaining the same methods ensures consistent results in texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this risotto vegan?

Yes! Use vegetable broth and substitute the goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.

→ Can I use pre-cooked beets?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked beets save time and work equally well in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.

→ What can I serve with this risotto?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.