This bright pink beet risotto has it all. Great flavour and gorgeous looks. The earthy beets give it the gorgeous colour and add the most amazing depth to the rice, paired with fresh ricotta and some floral thyme, this is a dish that will never fail to impress.
Pink is everywhere this month and it is wonderful to see! The world has gone pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Even the disposable red cups (You know the ones!!!) are currently pink. I love that. This is a cause that is close to my heart and a disease that changed my life!
This Perfectly Pink Beet Risotto is my savoury contribution to raising awareness, it is a show stopping meal. I wish you could be in my kitchen, I can assure you that the colour you see isn't edited! This risotto really is bright bright pink. Sprinkled with fresh beautiful white ricotta and with a light garnish of thyme, it is gorgeous to look at. (It tastes pretty gorgeous too!).
It is certainly going to be a dish that gets remembered and that is what I wanted. I wanted a meal that will stay in peoples minds once October and Breast Cancer Awareness month had finished.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia and one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime!!!!
And that is just breast cancer. All cancers combined affect one in three people!!!!!!!
Breast Cancer affected me over 20 years ago when my Mum lost her battle with secondary breast cancer.
Her relapse was sudden and vicious, they discovered the disease was back, found it had spread to her liver and her kidneys and she passed away just a week later. In some ways maybe that was a blessing; she didn't spend a long time suffering and as a family we didn't watch her slowly disappear. We woke up one morning, sat and talked whilst the nurse helped her sit up, I remember her asking to wear my long cream jumper, I remember her wrapping a green pashmina around her shoulders and I remember her smiling. She was coherent and responsive, she kissed us, we went to school, she was sleeping when we arrived home and that night she died.
It changed our lives, it was so sudden, so devastating and such a loss, but we adapted, grew up, changed and it became part of our lives and part of who we are. We are children who lost their mother at an early age, we lost someone who taught us how important love is, how important family is and who even though she was dying, smiled and acted as normally as she could. She gave us the gift of love and that is something cancer can't take away. And more than that, in an odd and poignant way, she also gave us the ability to deal with disaster and tragedy, we know that whatever life throws our way, we can overcome it. We are stronger because of her death.
But I think the hardest part for me, is now I am a mother. I cannot imagine the pain and heartache she must have gone through knowing that she would leave us and wouldn't see us grow up. As I wrote to a friend the other day, I lost my mother that day, but she lost everything. She lost seeing us become adults, our graduations, our weddings and seeing her grandchildren. She knew she would have to leave my Dad to bring us up alone.
That, more than anything, is what makes me sad and angry at this disease. But through awareness and research we can make a difference. I know in the 20 plus years, since it affected my life, the survival rates has increased by over 20%!!!!
Want to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
If you are interested in making a donation, these charities work on raising awareness, research and supporting those with the disease. If you have any other breast cancer charities you support, please let me know below and I will happily add them to this list.
- Australia National Breast Cancer Foundation
- New Zealand Breast Cancer Network New Zealand
- UK Breast Cancer Now
- UK - McGrath Foundation
- US Breast Cancer Action
- US Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Also not specifically for breast cancer patients but the Macmillan Nurses do an amazing job, with patient care within hospitals and in the home. An amazing organisation.
So the pink pink pink beets risotto! I can tell you the boys wanted to know why I couldn't make blue risotto!!!!
Tips for making this pink beets risotto.
Don't be scared by risotto, pour a glass of wine (you'll need some for the recipe) put on a bit of music and enjoy 20 minutes of kitchen therapy.
Stir your pan slowly, and if you listen to the Italian Nonnas (and let's face it why wouldn't you!!!) you should only every stir in one direction.
Ideally stir with a flat paddle spoon that has a hole in the middle. They usually come in those packets of wooden spoons and spatulas. The one with a large round hole in the middle is a risotto spoon. I only learnt that a few years back!!!!
If you want more tips on the perfect risotto then check out this post...Simple Perfect Risotto.
I also have a few other risotto recipes on the blog, Seared Salmon with Lemon Risotto, Saffron and Leek Risotto, Sausage and Rosemary Risotto.
p.s if you have any tips on how to photography risotto I would love to hear them....I find it one of the hardest foods to capture!
Why not pin this recipe for this Beet Risotto with Ricotta and Thyme for later. Pin it here.
Get the Recipe
Beetroot Risotto with Ricotta and Lemon Thyme
Ingredients
- 14 oz cooked beetroots - see notes
- 1 red onion
- ½ stick butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups risotto rice
- 2 sprigs lemon thyme or normal thyme
- ½ cup wine (red or white)
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon cold butter
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan
- 4 tablespoon ricotta - see notes
Instructions
- Start by preparing the beetroots. Reserve the liquid that the beetroots came in and then chop each beetroot into small chunks. Set the beetroot and the juice aside.
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Put the butter into a heavy based pan, add the olive oil and place over a medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Crush in the garlic and the salt and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Add the risotto rice and stir to coat in the butter.
- Sprinkle over the thyme and then cook for a minute or so until the edges of the rice are starting to look translucent.
- Pour in the wine and allow it to sizzle away.
- Add a ladleful of the stock and stir the risotto to prevent it from catching. Allow this liquid to be absorbed and then add another ladle of stock. Continue adding and stirring until until the rice is cooked to al dente and the liquid has all been absorbed. This is usually about 20 minutes.
- Pour in 70ml of the reserved beetroot juice and add the chopped beetroot. Place over a low heat and stir gently until the rice is a perfect pink colour and the beetroot is heated through.
- Remove from the heat and stir through the remaining butter and the parmesan.
- Place the lid on the risotto pan and leave it for 3-4 minutes.
- Give it a final stir and then serve immediately, with a tablespoon of ricotta sprinkled over and a garish of fresh thyme leaves.
Notes
However I made a smaller portion using 500ml of milk (and 25ml of vinegar)
Nutrition
Nutrition is per serving
If you love food why not subscribe to my newsletter, I will drop you an email every now and then, just to say hi and send you a couple of recipes think you might love, like this Beet Risotto with Ricotta and Thyme.
It isn't everyday! I am not that organised. Usually it is once a week (ish). And as a thank you I will send you my soup cookbook FREE. Full of my fav soups!
Subscribe today 🙂
[registration_form]
Also find me on:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter.
Let's share the food love and make the world a tastier place 🙂
Linda @ Roti n Rice says
Beautiful post, Claire. Breast cancer is a horrible disease and I am sorry for your loss. One of my close friends is currently in remission and I hope and pray it never returns. Your beetroot risotto looks really pretty and tasty, one I know this friend of mine will enjoy.
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Linda, your friend will be in my prayers x
Mary says
Claire,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you lost your mother too early.
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Mary x
Kirsten @ Treat Yourself Sweeter says
What a special, special memory and an absolutely beautiful post. As someone who lost someone dear to the horrible C word, I applaud your bravery to write this and send you lots of hugs.
Claire McEwen says
Hi Kirsten, I am so sorry for your loss. Such an awful disease 🙁
xx
Jenn says
So sorry about your mom, Claire. This dish is gorgeous! Love the pink color and risotto is one of my favorite things. Yum!
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Jenn x
Risotto is one of my favs too!
Nat @ The Intolerant Gourmand says
I'm so sorry about your loss! The big 'c' is sadly all too prevalent and affecting far too many people! You are a brave woman to be able to talk about such a difficult topic, and I admire your courageousness! The recipe looks and sounds absolutely delicious, and I will be trying it out this weekend! x
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Nat x
It really does affect so many people, I pray that one day will find a cure for it.
i hope you enjoy the risotto. x
Sara | Belly Rumbles says
A gorgeous recipe Claire to raise awareness to a very important cause. Sorry about the loss of your mum so many years ago. It is lucky that you have had an wonderful step mum in your life.
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Sara xx
Patti @ CooksRecipeCollection.com says
This is a beautiful dish! Thank you for sharing this recipe and your story! Cancer has affected so many lives!
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Patti xx
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
Claire, you are so brave for sharing your story and for being so positive in light of the obstacles that have been thrown your way. I'm sure your mother was just as strong and beautiful of a woman as you describe her to be because it seems that you have inherited the same traits! On a side note too, I just read that you lost your house a while back and I'm amazed at how positive and optimistic you are. Keep being you because you're inspiring and have a lovely spirit. This beetroot risotto looks divine. It's such a creative spin on risotto (I've never seen it done!), and it's got a gorgeous pink color perfect for breast cancer awareness! <3
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Beeta, when I am struggling or feeling down I look at the amazing little boys I have in my life and that gives me positivity x
I too love the pink colour, I wasn't sure if it would end up red rather than pink so I was so happy when it was bright bright pink!
Erren @Erren's Kitchen says
Hi Claire, Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry to see that you've had to take abuse on such a heartfelt, personal entry. My heart goes out to you x
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Erren xx
Fareeha says
So sorry for your loss, Claire. Life can never be the same again when we lose the person most dearest to our hearts. While dealing with the loss of my mom about an year ago I read somewhere that there is always an event in your life which changes you completely. Your life becomes "before" & "after" it. Nothing can fill that void. But I'm so glad you have chosen this occasion to dedicate this post to your mom.
Claire McEwen says
Fareeha, I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom x
And I agree, nothing will fill the void, you just learn how to live with it x
Paige says
Such a beautiful post and lovely Risotto Claire! Your post is so heartfelt, and this is without a doubt, the prettiest risotto I've ever seen 🙂
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Paige xx
Di Mill says
Beautiful recipe and lovely story..
what a sad man you're David, taking the time to attack an innocent person over her sad experience.. I feel sorry for you that you need attention so badly you have to bring drama to cooking blog..
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Di xx
nell says
That looks amazing! I haven't made risotto in ages, I'll have to try it.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mum. Cancer is a horrible disease I lost my (step) dad to it 16yrs ago. I hope one day there is a cure so no one else has to suffer.
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Nell.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your (step) dad, no matter how long ago the hole is still there isn't it xx
Lydia @ Suitcase Foodist says
What a lovely recipe and a lovely tribute. I've been touched by breast cancer in my own family and I know that the ripples go on and on. Thanks for sharing!
Claire McEwen says
Lydia, I am so sad to hear that breast cancer has affected your life. Such a hideous disease! x
Rachel Ballard says
Claire this risotto is beautiful and I can only imagine that it tastes wonderful. I'm so sorry about your mom--I think you have done a wonderful job of honoring her legacy and making the most of the life you have now and the family that you have now. One mother to another we know what lengths we would go to to protect our children from worry or fear and I have no doubt your mother was doing the very same thing for you. My best to you in all you do. <3
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Rachel, it was rather yummy 🙂
And thank you for your beautiful comments x