Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese

One of the greatest food combinations is beets and goat cheese.  Therefore, this beet risotto with goat cheese recipe sings of food harmony heaven.  The earthy sweetness of the beet compliments the tangy richness of the cheese.  The creamy risotto ties it all together in the most amazing side dish or first course.

My daughter loves risotto and had been begging me to make it for weeks (maybe even months).  Sometimes she just gets completely annoyed and makes it herself (not bad for a 13 year old).  As well, my whole family is gaga over goat cheese, so this beet risotto was music to their ears.

I know the thought of making risotto can be intimidating, but I assure you it’s quite easy.  You just need a solid half hour to pour and stir over the stove top to create this traditional Italian rice dish. The beets and goat cheese are just frosting on the top. 

Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese

Serves 4 as side dish or first course

Ingredients

• 3 medium beets, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• Fresh ground pepper to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees F. Wrap beets in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast beets for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool and peel beets with a paring knife. Dice into 1/2" cubes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil to medium high. Add shallots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to be sure they don't brown. Add rice and stir to coat in oil.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add 1/2 cup of stock and stir until most has been absorbed. Repeat with 1/2 cups until you have used all 3 cups of stock.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and beets.
5. Divide among four serving plates and place a 1 ounce dollop of goat cheese on each plate. Garnish with pepper and chives to taste.

More beet recipes from FN Dish:

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Star Anise Ginger Pickled Beets
The Heritage Cook: Rosemary Roasted Beets, Potatoes and Peppers
Dishing: Beetroot Brownies / Beet Brownies
Devour: 4 Beet Salad Best Bets
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Beet Greens with Balsamic Glazed Beets
Red or Green: Sweet and Spicy Roasted Beet and Bacon Salad 
Virtually Homemade: Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese
Domesticate Me: Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon with Asian Beet Slaw
Dishin & Dishes: Roasted Beet Salad with Garlic Vinaigrette
Taste With The Eyes: Shrimp, Beet, Raspberry, Radicchio and Rose Salad
Weelicious: Red Beet and White Bean Hummus
FN Dish: 5 Ways to Brighten Beets