
Golden Summer Beet Risotto with Lemon Zest and Crispy Shallot Sprinkles
Ready to wow your taste buds? This Golden Summer Beet Risotto is pure sunshine in a bowl! Creamy, vibrant, and kissed with zesty lemon, it’s topped with crispy shallots for that perfect crunch. Let’s turn simple ingredients into a dish that’ll dazzle your dinner table—let’s cook!
4.0 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Italian
Ingredients
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •2 large shallots, thinly sliced
- •1 cup Arborio rice
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 cup dry white wine
- •4–5 cups vegetable stock, warmed
- •2 medium golden beets, peeled and finely grated
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •1 tablespoon lemon zest
- •2 tablespoons lemon juice
- •Salt, to taste
- •Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- •Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
- 2
In a separate large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- 3
Add the Arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- 4
Mix in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring frequently, until the wine is mostly absorbed.
- 6
Begin adding the warmed vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring consistently. Wait until each ladle of stock is almost completely absorbed before adding the next. Repeat for about 20 minutes.
- 7
Add the grated golden beets to the rice mixture. Stir continuously, adding more stock as needed, for another 10-15 minutes until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente.
- 8
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 9
Top with crispy shallots and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Calories
420 calories
Protein
10g
Carbs
56g
Fat
14g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use red beets instead of golden beets?
A: Yes, you can substitute red beets for golden beets. However, keep in mind that the color of the risotto will change to a vibrant red-pink hue, and the flavor may be slightly earthier. Golden beets have a milder sweetness compared to red beets.
Q: What can I use instead of white wine?
A: If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable stock mixed with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. This will maintain the bright flavor profile of the dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to the risotto and gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to regain its creamy texture.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! For a vegan version, replace the butter with additional olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Ensure your vegetable stock is vegan-friendly as well.
Q: What if my risotto turns out too dry or too soupy?
A: If your risotto is too dry, add a little more warmed vegetable stock one ladle at a time and stir until it reaches a creamy consistency. If it's too soupy, let it cook a bit longer without adding more liquid, stirring frequently until it thickens.
Q: Can I prepare the crispy shallots in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the crispy shallots up to 1 day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to retain their crispiness. Add them to the risotto just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Are there any optional add-ins that work well with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Consider adding toasted pine nuts, crumbled goat cheese, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale for extra flavor and texture. You can also top the risotto with a poached egg for a luxe touch.
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