Creamy, dreamy, and delicious, this Roasted Beetroot Goat Cheese Risotto might be a good way to celebrate Valentine’s day!
Inappropriate Behavior
But first I’ve got to confess. And it’s not about how fabulous this Roasted Beetroot Goat Cheese Risotto turned out. And it’s not about that I might (Or might not) have had more than one serving on the day I made it.
A few weeks ago, I was on a bus on my way home. There was a nice lady sitting in front of me. At some point, she pulled a notebook and pen from her purse and started writing something.
And I did one gruesome thing. I glanced in that notebook. Nope, I wasn’t scrutinizing it. I just glanced a few times. Like 10. Or 20. But not more than 25.
I know, I know. Rude. Inappropriate. And so on. But there’s my excuse. First of all, this old-fashioned way of recording the thoughts captured my attention. Indeed, I used a couple of times a piece of paper to write down some ideas for the blog posts (I was inspired and was afraid to forget them). But most of the time I use memo notes in my phone (Well, right now I’m writing this text being in the subway). But paper…
Secondly, she looked so inspired that it was hard to resist. I though she might be a poet or a food blogger at least.
Besides, if you had seen what kind of notes she was taking, you wouldn’t have been able to resist either.
She was planning Valentine’s day menu!
I told you. Being a food blogger, you would totally get my inappropriate behavior.
The first thing on that list were heart-shaped sandwiches. Well, a little too heavy for a romantic dinner, but it’s acceptable for a lunch.
Next. Heart-shaped greek salad. Doesn’t sound bad; however, Valentine’s salad could be a little lighter and fancier (And without onion). But it’s fine.
Next. Heart-shaped fruit. At this point, I started to be concerned because:
a) How much food do you need for one Valentine’s dinner?
b) I imagined that nice lady carving hearts out of strawberries, and I immediately felt bad for her and especially for the strawberries.
c) The bus was approaching my bus stop while that lady seemed to continue.
It was sad. It was really sad not get to know the complete menu. What was it? Heart-shaped pancakes? Soup in a heart-shaped bowl?
Indeed, I’m not making fun of that nice lady. Whatever you’re going to make for your beloved people (Or for yourself) or whatever your cooking skills are, that doesn’t really matter. The most important thing is to enjoy the process. And of course, the food doesn’t necessarily have to be in a heart-shaped form (Although some things would be cute. Like pancakes).
Roasted Beetroot Goat Cheese Risotto
But the food you’re making might be a little fancier. Like these Lavender Rose Marshmallows. This Strawberry Red Wine Sorbet. Or this delightful salad.
Or even this Roasted Beetroot Goat Cheese Risotto! I think it’s pretty festive and romantic. You may doubt using the garlic in this recipe, but the risotto doesn’t have any strong but subtle garlic flavor. You can completely omit the garlic, though.
Along with the goat cheese, I also incorporated some cream cheese to make it even more velvety and rich. And I’m thinking it would be nice to use some red wine instead of white one. Well, too late Ben!
Thus, friends, I’m asking for your help. Make this Roasted Beetroot Goat Cheese Risotto with red wine and let me know the results. Deal?
Notes
havocinthekitchen.com
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium roasted beets, roughly chopped
- 1 cup risotto rice (I used Carnaroli)
- 3-4 cups hot vegetable stock (keep a little more for any case)
- 1/2 white cup cooking wine
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shallot (2-3 large shallots)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/2 cup goat cheese + 2-3 tablespoons more, to garnish
Instructions
- Place the beets and 1/2 cup stock in the food processor and puree until smooth - we will use about 2 cups of this puree; however, if you get a little more, that's fine.
- In a pan melt 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. At medium heat, saute the shallots and garlic for 4-5 minutes not allowing them to brown.
- Increase heat (over medium) and stir in the rice. Cook for a minute then pour the wine and let the alcohol to evaporate for a minute.
- Stir in 2/3 of beet puree (or about 1,5 cups) and cook for 3-4 minutes until the liquid has mostly been absorbed.
- Start gradually adding the stock - 1/3 cup at once. As soon as the previously added liquid has been absorbed, add more stock, regularly stirring the risotto.
- When the rice is almost ready (Normally it takes about 22 minutes from start to finish; however, this time rice needed 25 minutes), add the remaining beetroot pure. Season and add the oregano.
- When risotto is fully ready, stir in the remaining butter, cream cheese, and 1/2 cup goat cheese.
- Off heat. Vigorously fluff with a fork for a few seconds. Cover and leave to rest for 2-3 minutes.
- While serving, sprinkle with the remaining goat cheese.
- Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
I love beets! Your site looks like a goldmine of luscious beet recipes. Thanks!
OMG, you are so ruuuuuuudddddeee Ben! Just kiddin’, I glance at people’s stuff all the time. heeheehee. This risotto is absolutely gorgeous! Love the color from the beets. I adore risotto and it’s sp perfect during the winter months. Will have to make this soon :)
karrie @ Tasty Ever After recently posted…Copycat Trader Joe’s Artichoke and Jalapeño Dip
Thank you, Karrie!
Wow, another extremely pretty food that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day! Wine, garlic, beets and oregano, you have everything there I need. And that vibrant pink colour is seriously everything, love it! Pinned :)
Evi @ greenevi recently posted…Lentil and Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Parsnip
Glad you’ve liked it:) Thanks Evi!
This creamy, dreamy, beetroot Goat Cheese Risotto indeed is perfect to celebrate Valentine’s day! I am glad that you used garlic here because I LOVE garlic in anything. ;) And such a lovely presentation of this pretty, vibrant and delicious risotto, Ben. Love the contrast of blues and reds here. And OMG, those blue plates??? Can I please borrow them? They are so beautiful. :)
Anu – My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…DIY Valentine’s Day Breakfast Ideas | VIDEO Tutorial
I didn’t know you LOVE garlic, Anu. Wait, it’s in your blog name haha:) Thank you!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Red Velvet Crêpe Cake
LOL!! Your like a paper peeping Tom! ;) Tisk tisk on being nosy! Lol. I kid. I’ve totally done the same thing, and I’m willing to be EVERYONE has if they are being honest. If I saw the lady was planning a menu I definitely would have glanced several times… and then probably struck up a conversation with her! Anyways, I’m a huge fan of risotto and this one is just beautiful, Ben! The color is everything! Just perfect for valentines day! Cheers!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Citrus & Honey Roasted Salmon
Yes, I would have probably struck up a conversation with her, but my bus was approaching my bus stop. And I am also too humble guy to start a conversation:)
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Red Velvet Crêpe Cake
A beautiful presentation of a delicious sounding risotto…it is indeed a good choice for Valentines.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted…Salmon With Sorrel Sauce
Thank you Karen!
Hah! You know, writing things on paper really is a thing of the past. I keep all my notes on my computer now. Or I email notes to myself from my phone if I’m not at my computer. The only thing I write on paper is my shopping list each week…and I could do that on my phone, but I don’t want to have to have my phone out all over the store. Love that your bus friend was making her Valentine’s Day menu! But a heart-shaped Greek salad? How does that actually work? This risotto sounds amazing for V-Day, Ben! I love the color, and risotto is totally underappreciated. Laura would be all about this one as she loves beets. Thanks for sharing this one, and I hope you have a great weekend!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Mandarin Beet Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
I send notes/texts by skype:) Thank you David!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Red Velvet Crêpe Cake