Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Reduction Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

2 medium beets, trimmed to within 1 inch of the top
8 cups|1893 ml light vegetable stock
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 shallots, finely chopped
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice
¾ cup|177 ml dry white wine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
½ cup freshly grated Grana Padano
3 ounces|85 grams fresh goat cheese, crumbled
balsamic reduction, for drizzling

1. Put the beets in a small saucepan and add water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on size. Drain, reserving 1 cup|237 ml of the cooking liquid. Let the beets cool, then peel them and grate them on the coarse holes of a box grater. Strain the reserved cooking liquid through a coffee filter or a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Set the beets and their liquid aside.
2. Bring the stock to a simmer in a saucepan. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and shallots. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until the onion and shallots are wilted but not browned, about 7 to 8 minutes.
3. Add the rice, and stir to coat in the oil. Pour in the wine, and cook, stirring, until it's absorbed, about 1 to 2 minutes. Ladle in enough stock just to cover the rice. Adjust the heat so the risotto is simmering, and cook, stirring constantly, until all liquid has been absorbed. Continue to add hot stock in small batches (just enough to moisten the rice completely) and cook until each successive batch has been absorbed, stirring constantly, until the rice mixture is creamy but still al dente, about 18 minutes total; add the grated beets about halfway through the cooking time.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Beat in the butter in teaspoon -size pieces until completely melted, then the Grana Padano cheese. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve immediately, ladled onto flat plates. Crumble the goat cheese on top, and finish with balsamic reduction.
5. For the balsamic reduction: Pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a skillet, and boil until reduced to ⅓ cup|79 ml. Cool completely before using. It will keep for several weeks refrigerated.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This recipe has been reprinted with permission of the author from Felidia: Recipes from My Flagship Restaurant.

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