Brown Rice & Quinoa Risotto Recipe
Description:
This Brown Rice & Quinoa Risotto is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian risotto, offering a wholesome, nutritious alternative without compromising on flavor. The blend of brown rice and quinoa creates a creamy, comforting dish that is further enriched with sautéed vegetables like button mushrooms, green bell pepper, and broccoli. Enhanced by the richness of butter, fresh cream, and the sharpness of cheddar cheese, this vegetarian risotto is perfect for lunch or dinner. The dish is cooked with vegetable stock, making it both hearty and satisfying. Pair it with a side of freshly baked bread for a truly delightful meal!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 250 grams |
| Brown Rice | 250 grams |
| Garlic (chopped) | 2 teaspoons |
| Button Mushrooms (sliced) | 500 grams |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, chopped) | 1 |
| Broccoli (cut into small florets, boiled) | 100 grams |
| Vegetable Stock | 500 ml |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cheddar Cheese (grated) | 50 grams |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
45 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soak the Rice and Quinoa:
Begin by soaking the brown rice and quinoa for about 10 minutes. This helps to soften the grains and speed up the cooking process. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat a pan on medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped green bell pepper, and boiled broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for a few minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and cook through. Continue sautéing until the vegetables are tender, and the water from the mushrooms evaporates. Season with salt and black pepper powder to taste. Set the sautéed vegetables aside. -
Cook the Rice and Quinoa:
In the same pan, add the soaked brown rice and quinoa. Lower the heat to medium-low. Start adding the vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Ensure that the rice and quinoa remain loose and don’t become too clumpy. Continue to add the stock, one ladle at a time, and stir, letting the grains absorb the liquid. This will take about 30–40 minutes. Continue cooking until the rice and quinoa are “al dente”—just cooked through but with a slight bite. -
Finishing the Risotto:
Once the rice and quinoa have reached the desired texture, stir in the butter and fresh cream for added richness. Continue stirring until the butter melts and the risotto achieves a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste the risotto and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or black pepper powder. -
Add the Sautéed Vegetables:
Add the sautéed vegetables back into the risotto, stirring well to combine them evenly into the creamy mixture. -
Serve:
Transfer the Brown Rice & Quinoa Risotto to a serving plate and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese for a final touch of flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestion:
This creamy Brown Rice & Quinoa Risotto pairs beautifully with a side of Fennel Pesto Pull-Apart Bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds. Whether for a cozy lunch or an elegant dinner, this dish is a perfect choice for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 7-9g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Cholesterol: 25-30mg
- Sodium: 400-500mg
- Vitamin C: 20% DV (due to broccoli)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting & Creamy: The combination of vegetable stock, cream, and cheddar cheese makes for a smooth and indulgent dish, while still being light and healthy.
- Nutrient-Rich: Thanks to the inclusion of quinoa and brown rice, this risotto offers a solid dose of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, while the sautéed vegetables provide a punch of flavor and nutrients.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This risotto is a perfect choice for those following a vegetarian diet, offering a delicious, satisfying, and wholesome meal.
- Easy to Make: With just a few steps and ingredients, you can create a risotto that is both simple to prepare and impressive in taste.
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Fennel Pesto Pull–Apart Bread
- Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
- Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
- Quinoa and Veggie Stir–Fry
This Brown Rice & Quinoa Risotto is a nourishing dish that delivers on both flavor and health benefits, making it a perfect addition to your lunch or dinner rotation. Enjoy this creamy, hearty risotto today!
