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Beet Farro Risotto with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

Beet Farro Risotto with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

Beet Farro Risotto with Goat Cheese and Pistachios is a comforting and colorful dish combining the chewy nuttiness of farro with the earthy sweetness of beets, creamy tangy goat cheese, and a crunchy pistachio topping. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for cozy dinners or elegant meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains and Broth

  • 1 cup pearled farro
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, warm

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 medium fresh beets, roasted or steamed, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Fats

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled

Nuts and Herbs

  • 1/4 cup pistachios, lightly toasted
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Other

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beets: Roast or steam the fresh beets until tender. Once cooled, peel and dice into small cubes to bring out their natural sweetness and make them easy to fold into the risotto.
  2. Cook the Farro: In a large pan, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil and butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant. Add the pearled farro, stirring to coat each grain with the fats.
  3. Slowly Add Broth: Gradually add the warm vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the farro to absorb the broth before adding more. Continue until the farro is tender and creamy, about 25-30 minutes.
  4. Combine Beets and Farro: Fold the diced beets gently into the cooked farro, allowing their color and flavor to meld into the risotto, creating a beautiful pink hue.
  5. Add Goat Cheese and Pistachios: Stir in the crumbled goat cheese slowly so it melts evenly, resulting in a luscious creamy texture. Top with toasted pistachios for a nutty crunch.
  6. Finish with Herbs and Lemon Juice: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme and squeeze in the lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. Give one final gentle stir before serving.

Notes

  • Toast the farro lightly before cooking to deepen its nutty flavor.
  • Add broth gradually and stir often to achieve a creamy consistency similar to traditional risotto.
  • Use warm broth throughout the cooking process for even cooking.
  • Adjust salt gradually, as goat cheese and broth may add saltiness.
  • Toast pistachios just before serving to keep their crunch and vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: beet risotto, farro risotto, goat cheese, pistachios, vegetarian, healthy dinner, fiber-rich, creamy risotto