Risotto (Rice) with Beetroot

To prepare a delicious beet risotto, we start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need 1 medium onion, 300 g of Arborio rice, 200 ml of dry white wine, 500 g of boiled beetroot, 1 liter of vegetable broth (or chicken, depending on preference), 50 g of butter, 50 ml of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and of course, 100 g of grated parmesan for a savory flavor.

We begin by peeling and finely chopping the onion. It is important to chop it as finely as possible so that it blends evenly into the dish. In a large pot, we put the butter and olive oil over medium heat, allowing them to heat up. Once the butter has melted, we add the chopped onion and let it sweat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes transparent and slightly golden. This process will add a rich flavor to the risotto.

After the onion is ready, we add the rice and sauté it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is essential as it helps the rice absorb the flavors and become creamy. Then, we pour in the white wine and let it boil, stirring continuously, until the alcohol evaporates and the rice absorbs the liquid.

Meanwhile, we prepare the beetroot. If you don't have boiled beetroot, you can boil it in salted water for about 30-40 minutes until it softens. Once the beetroot is ready, we blend it in a blender until we achieve a smooth paste. We then add this beetroot paste to the pot, mixing well to combine it with the rice. Now it's time to start adding the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. So, add the broth gradually, waiting for the rice to absorb the liquid before adding the next ladle. This process will take about 18-20 minutes until the rice becomes creamy and al dente.

In the last few minutes of cooking, add salt and pepper to taste. When the risotto is ready, remove the pot from the heat and add the grated parmesan, stirring until fully integrated. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the risotto warm, garnished with a few fresh parsley leaves or some thin slices of beetroot for an elegant look. This dish is not only an explosion of colors but also a symphony of flavors that will delight anyone's taste buds. Enjoy your meal!