Description
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Risotto is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish made with Arborio rice, fresh cauliflower, and Parmesan cheese. The cauliflower is cooked down to blend seamlessly with the risotto, giving the dish a creamy consistency without the need for heavy cream. The flavors are simple yet sophisticated, combining the earthiness of cauliflower with the richness of Parmesan and the smooth texture of Arborio rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium cauliflower – broken into small florets for a creamy texture.
- 300g (10.5 oz) Arborio rice – for that signature risotto creaminess.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped to add sweetness.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced, for extra flavor.
- 1 liter (34 fl oz) vegetable or chicken stock – warmed, for cooking the rice.
- 150ml (5 fl oz) white wine – adds depth and acidity to balance the flavors.
- 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese – grated, for richness and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon butter – adds extra creaminess.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Start by breaking the cauliflower into small florets. Set aside half of the florets for blending and finely chop the other half for added texture to the risotto.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking gently for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add the rice: Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors from the onion and garlic. Make sure all the rice grains are coated in the oil and butter.
- Pour in the wine: Add the white wine to the pan and stir until the wine is mostly absorbed by the rice.
- Cook the cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pan and stir to combine. Pour in a ladle of warm stock and stir frequently, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid.
- Gradually add the stock: Continue adding the stock one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the stock is absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente.
- Blend the cauliflower: While the risotto is cooking, steam or boil the remaining cauliflower florets until soft. Blend the cooked cauliflower into a smooth puree and stir it into the risotto for extra creaminess.
- Finish with Parmesan: Once the risotto is creamy and the rice is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot: Garnish the risotto with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors.