A delightful twist on classic risotto, featuring vibrant beets, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese.
Peel and dice the beets into small cubes.
Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands with beet juice.
In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable stock until it is warm but not boiling.
Keep the stock warm to ensure the risotto cooks evenly.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté until translucent.
Stir frequently to prevent the shallots from burning.
Add the arborio rice to the saucepan and toast it for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
Toasting the rice enhances its flavor and helps it absorb the stock better.
Gradually add the warm stock to the rice, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding more.
Stirring constantly ensures a creamy texture and prevents sticking.
Stir in the diced beets and cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Adding the beets at the end preserves their vibrant color.
Mix in the crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts, stirring until the cheese is melted and well combined.
Reserve a few walnuts for garnishing the dish.
Serve the risotto warm, garnished with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of blue cheese.
Serve immediately to enjoy the risotto at its best.
