This creamy quinoa risotto comes from The First Mess Cookbook. If you’re not already a fan of Laura’s blog, The First Mess, you should be! This quinoa risotto recipe exemplifies so much of what I love about her work. It appeals to the eyes as well as the appetite, it’s healthy and accessible, and it combines plant-based ingredients in a really unique way. Traditional risotto is made with arborio rice, and it requires a lengthy amount of time standing over the stove stirring. This recipe is every bit as creamy and delicious as the classic Italian dish, but it streamlines the process and packs in some extra nutrients to boot! Instead of using butter, cream, or Parmesan cheese, Laura stirs a creamy white bean puree into the quinoa. The resulting risotto is quick and easy to make, packed with plant-based protein, and super cozy and comforting. I think you’ll love it!
Quinoa Risotto Ingredients & Method
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy vegan risotto:
Quinoa! There’s so much to love about this little pseudo-grain. It’s gluten-free, it’s protein-rich, and it cooks in just 15 minutes. White beans blend into a thick puree to give this risotto its creamy texture. You can use canned cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans, or cook your own. Garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast add nutty, tangy, bright flavor to the creamy white bean puree. Extra-virgin olive oil supplies necessary richness. Shallots, thyme, and vegetable stock add savory, aromatic flavor to the cooked quinoa. And fresh parsley leaves give the dish a final fresh touch.
Start by making the white bean puree with the beans, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and a splash of stock.
Then, sauté the shallots and thyme, and add the quinoa. Pour in the remaining stock and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the white bean puree, season with salt and pepper, and add a handful of parsley. That’s it! Find the full recipe and measurements below!
Quinoa Risotto Serving Suggestions
You could serve this wholesome vegan risotto any number of ways. I topped it with roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts, but other vegetables would be great here. Try using roasted butternut squash, asparagus, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. But your options don’t end there! Add dollops of pesto or marinara sauce, roasted chickpeas for crunch, or a generous sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese. Let me know what variations you try!
More Favorite Vegan Entrées
If you love this quinoa risotto recipe, try one of these delicious vegan entrées next:
Vegan Mac and Cheese Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Creamy Mushroom Polenta Pesto Pasta Creamy Pasta Pomodoro
Then, find 85+ delicious vegan dinner recipes here and more quinoa recipes here!
