Creamy, cozy, and just a little swoon-worthy 💚 This Tierra Cocida zucchini & Parmesan risotto is all about simple elegance—silky rice, delicate grated zucchini, and a shower of salty Parmesan. It’s the perfect way to sneak in veggies while keeping things rich, comforting, and Valentine’s-Day ready. Dinner for two never tasted so charming.
Start by grating the zucchini in your grate bowl/plate (or grater) and set aside.
Now grate the onion and garlic cloves and set aside until use.
Sofrito
In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the grated onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the grated garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Rice
Stir in the arborio rice, stirring constantly, until the grains are well coated in oil and begin to become translucent at the edges, about 2 minutes.
Deglaze
To deglaze, pour in the white wine and stir until it is completely absorbed. This will add a rich complexity of flavor to the risotto.
Cooking
Begin adding the hot vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 18-20 minutes. The rice should be al dente and the mixture creamy.
Zucchini
When the risotto is almost ready, add the grated zucchini and gently mix to combine.
Cook for a few minutes until the zucchini is tender but still vibrant in color.
To finish
Remove from the heat and add the butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the butter melts and the cheese is fully incorporated, giving the risotto a rich and creamy texture.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
Serving
Serve immediately, garnished with more grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add extra shine and flavor.
Recipe Note
First published by Tierra Cocida on February 13, 2024.
Zucchini and Parmesan Risotto is an elegant and creamy dish, perfect for a Valentine's Day dinner 💑 Use your grate bowl/plateto incorporate the zucchini into the risotto, adding a smooth texture and delicate flavor that beautifully complements the Parmesan cheese!
