Cauliflower risotto
Discover a creamy and flavorful cauliflower risotto recipe that combines tender rice, savory chicken gravy, aromatic garlic and thyme, and a touch of white wine. Finished with grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and a crunch of almonds, this comforting dish is perfect for dinner. Ready in no time!
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
4 cups chicken gravy1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 cup white rice
1/3 cup white wine
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cauliflower
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1/3 cup almonds
Cauliflower Risotto is a delightful twist on the traditional risotto that incorporates the rich, nutty flavors of cauliflower and the comforting taste of creamy rice. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and caters to those looking for a healthier and more vegetable-forward alternative to regular risotto.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Chop or rice the cauliflower into small pieces.
- Toast and chop the almonds.
- In a medium saucepan, warm the chicken gravy over medium heat. Keep it warm on a low burner.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the white rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the oil and toasting it lightly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Begin adding the warm chicken gravy one ladle at a time, continuously stirring after each addition until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and creamy. You may not need all of the gravy, or you might need a bit additional liquid (water or more gravy if available).
- About halfway through cooking the rice (around the 10-minute mark), add the chopped or riced cauliflower to the skillet. Continue to add ladles of gravy and stir until the rice and the cauliflower are both tender.
- Stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese, mixing well to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle the toasted and chopped almonds on top before serving for a bit of crunch and added flavor.
- Serve the cauliflower risotto immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Preparation is key.: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
- Consistency of the chicken gravy.: Make sure the chicken gravy is warm and easily pourable. If it's too thick, dilute it with a bit of water or chicken stock.
- Toasting the rice.: When you sauté the rice, make sure to toast it until it's slightly translucent, this helps in achieving a better texture for the risotto.
- Stir constantly, but not vigorously.: Keep stirring the risotto to release the starches from the rice, which gives it a creamy texture. However, be gentle to avoid breaking the rice grains.
- Add the chicken gravy gradually.: Pour in the chicken gravy a ladleful at a time, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding the next. This ensures even cooking and a creamy consistency.
- Be mindful with the seasoning.: Both parmesan and chicken gravy have salt, so taste your risotto before adding any extra salt. Adjust seasonings at the end if necessary.
- Use high-quality parmesan cheese.: For the best flavor, use freshly grated high-quality parmesan cheese. It melts better and enriches the risotto's taste.
- Incorporate the cauliflower evenly.: Grate or finely chop the cauliflower and mix it well into the risotto halfway through the cooking process for an even distribution and texture.
- Finishing touches.: Once the risotto is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and parsley. This will enhance the flavor and give a nice finish to the dish.
Cauliflower Risotto offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe brings together the creamy essence of risotto with the wholesome goodness of cauliflower. Enjoy your culinary creation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a handful of almonds for added crunch.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 500kcal
Protein 13g
Carbohydrates 70g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 6g
Fat 20g
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