Dairy Free Risotto

Ingredient notes

• Risotto rice: Arborio rice is a variety of short-grain rice used primarily for cooking risotto. It’s high in starch compared to other types of rice, giving it a firm yet creamy consistency.
• Olive oil: Use any neutral tasting oil to cook the onion in. Vegan butter can be used as an alternative.
• Vegan butter: Stir in vegan butter just before serving warm. (Learn more about dairy free butter substitutes!)
• Onion: I recommend using a yellow onion or substituting with shallot for a delicate sweet flavor.
• Vegetable broth: To keep things quick, grab a carton of store-bought veggie broth!
• White wine: Optional but recommended! Go for a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Riesling. Dry Vermouth works too. To make risotto without wine, simply replace with extra broth or water and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Salt and pepper: To enhance the overall flavor!

How to make creamy vegan risotto

The full step by step directions are in the printable recipe card below.

Step 1: Cook the onion

In a medium pot, warm olive oil over low-medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly translucent.

Step 2: Toast the rice

Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat with the oil. Continuously stir and sauté until there is a slight nutty aroma, about 1-2 minutes. You don't want to brown the rice, just get it a little toasted to bring out its flavor and prevent clumping.

Step 3: Stir in the wine and broth

Add the white wine and continue to stir until the liquid is fully absorbed. Add the vegetable broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring about every 30 seconds. When the liquid is mostly absorbed, add more, and repeat until the rice is al dente. This takes about 20 minutes.

Tip from Jenna: For that perfect risotto texture, don't stir risotto constantly. Stirring too much aerates the rice, which results in a gummy texture. Cooked risotto should be soft with a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Serve warm and enjoy

Once risotto is cooked, remove from heat, and stir in dairy free butter along with a pinch of salt and pepper. For a cheesy and nutty, umami flavor, add about 2-4 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. Vegan parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, like parsley, are also great for topping. Serve with your favorite add-ins or side dishes like dairy free dinner rolls or green beans with almonds, a simple salad.

Dairy free risotto add-ins

If you want to serve risotto with a vegetable, cook the veggies in a separate skillet as the rice cooks. Here are a handful of my favorite veggies to pair with risotto:

• Mushrooms
• Butternut squash
• Leeks
• Peas
• Asparagus