Creamy Cheddar & Beer Risotto with Broccoli
Elevate your dinner experience with this Creamy Cheddar & Beer Risotto with Broccoli. Adapted from the beloved Moosewood Simple Suppers cookbook, this dish combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and beer, creating a comforting and savory meal that’s sure to delight. The earthy notes from the optional mushroom stock enhance the dish's depth, while the vibrant broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. This one-dish meal is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, and its unique flavor combination will have everyone asking for seconds!
6
Servings
220
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable broth
4 cups (low sodium preferred, warmed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
arborio rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
beer
12 ounces (preferably lager or ale)
broccoli florets
3 cups (chopped)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
roma tomatoes
2 cups (chopped)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, gently simmer the vegetable broth over low heat to keep it warm.
2
In a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the arborio rice and toast for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is well-coated and begins to turn golden.
3
Pour in the beer, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed by the rice, about 3-5 minutes.
4
Add a ladle (about 1 cup) of the warm vegetable broth to the rice and stir frequently, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid. Continue to add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly, until all the broth is absorbed and the risotto is creamy. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
5
Meanwhile, steam the broccoli until it turns bright green and is just tender, approximately 2-3 minutes. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water covered with a plate.
6
Once the risotto is at your desired creamy consistency, stir in the Dijon mustard and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
7
Gently fold in the steamed broccoli and chopped roma tomatoes, stirring to combine.
8
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
32.7g
Carbs
8.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar & Beer Risotto with Broccoli?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines arborio rice, sharp cheddar cheese, beer, and broccoli, adapted from the Moosewood Simple Suppers cookbook.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 220 calories.
What type of rice should I use for this risotto?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of uncooked arborio rice.
What kind of beer is best for this recipe?
A lager or ale is preferred for the best flavor profile.
How much beer is required?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of beer.
What kind of cheese is used in this risotto?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Steam 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets until they are just tender and bright green before folding them into the risotto.
What is the purpose of toasting the rice?
Toasting the rice in olive oil for 2-3 minutes helps coat the grains and develops a golden color and nuttier flavor.
How long does it take for the rice to absorb the broth?
The process of adding broth and stirring until absorbed typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, while the recipe calls for vegetable broth, mushroom stock is mentioned as an optional alternative to enhance earthy notes.
How much vegetable broth is needed?
You will need 4 cups of vegetable broth, preferably low sodium.
What type of tomatoes are added to the dish?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chopped roma tomatoes.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 6.7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 32.7g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this risotto?
This dish provides 8.3g of protein per serving.
Is there any Dijon mustard in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard is stirred in for added flavor depth.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste at the very end, just before serving.
What equipment is recommended for cooking the rice?
A large Dutch oven or a heavy saucepan is recommended for cooking the risotto.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Should the vegetable broth be cold when added to the rice?
No, the broth should be gently simmered over low heat to keep it warm before being added to the rice.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include risotto, one dish meal, cheddar cheese, beer, vegetable, broccoli, comfort food, and creamy.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber information is not provided for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to gently fold in the steamed broccoli and chopped roma tomatoes.
Can I substitute the sharp cheddar?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its rich flavor, you could experiment with other melting cheeses.
Should I stir the risotto frequently?
Yes, stirring frequently while adding broth is essential for creating the creamy consistency characteristic of risotto.
What is the preparation for the roma tomatoes?
The roma tomatoes should be chopped before being added to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a cozy night in?
Yes, the description highlights it as perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.