Beet Risotto

This show-stopper of a side dish highlights the earthy, fresh taste of beets and pairs well with red meat. To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 1 hours 0 minutes

Ingredients
7 cups chicken stock
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
2 large beets (12 ounces each), peeled and coarsely shredded
3 cups arborio rice
1 1/2 cups pecorino cheese, freshly grated

Directions
In a saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer; cover and keep warm. In a medium enameled cast-iron casserole, melt the butter in the oil. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Add the shredded beets and cook, stirring, until the pan is dry, 12 minutes. Spoon half of the beets into a small bowl.

Add the rice to the casserole and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of the warm stock to the rice and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the stock is nearly absorbed. Continue adding the stock 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until the rice is al dente and a thick sauce forms, 22 minutes. Stir in the cooked beets and cheese. Cook, stirring, until heated through; add a few tablespoons of water if the risotto is too thick. Spoon the risotto into bowls. Garnish with additional pecorino, if you like.