This vegan risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that's perfect for a special occasion. The lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the risotto, and the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy umami flavor. Whether you're a vegan or not, you'll love this delicious and satisfying dish.
I've always been a fan of risotto, but I've never been able to find a vegan version that I really loved. Most vegan risottos are either too bland or too mushy, and they often lack the rich, creamy flavor of traditional risotto. I set out to create a vegan risotto that was every bit as delicious and satisfying as the real thing, and I'm happy to say that I finally succeeded. This recipe is the result of months of experimentation, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup arborio rice
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add the rice and stir to coat.
If using, add the white wine and let it reduce by half.
Add the vegetable broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently.
Once the broth has been absorbed, add the nutritional yeast, parsley, and lemon juice.
Stir until combined and serve immediately.
Why It Works
The use of arborio rice is essential for a creamy risotto. Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that has a high starch content, which helps to create the creamy texture of risotto.
Cooking the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding the rice helps to develop their flavor and prevent the risotto from sticking to the pan.
Adding the white wine (if using) helps to deglaze the pan and add a subtle acidity to the risotto.
Adding the vegetable broth in stages allows the rice to absorb the liquid slowly and evenly, which prevents the risotto from becoming mushy.
The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy umami flavor to the risotto.
The parsley and lemon juice add a bright, refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the risotto.