11 Romantic Risotto Recipes Perfect for Valentine's Day
11 Romantic Risotto Recipes Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Although risotto is one of the simplest meals you could whip up, there is something undeniably fancy about it. Maybe it's the fact that you're cooking with wine, or the patience that's involved with constantly stirring the rice. Whatever the reason, next time you're in the mood for treating your significant other, wow them with one of these romantic yet simple risotto recipes.
Header image and recipe for Seafood Risotto from CHOW
1. Brussels Sprouts and Lemon Risotto
The Brussels sprouts add color and flavor without overpowering the risotto. Try serving this dish with a simple side salad to make it a complete meal.
Photo and recipe from CHOW
2. Spring Vegetable Risotto with Poached Eggs
Eating seasonally is sure to keep you from breaking the budget while still providing maximum flavor for your recipes, so keep this recipe in mind for a lighter spring-date meal.
Photo and recipe from Bon Appétit
Wow your love with this seafood lobster risotto; the recipe calls for not only two entire lobsters but also a cup of wine! Don’t forget to serve the other half of the bottle with your meal.
Photo and recipe from CHOW
4. Cheddar Cheese Risotto
Talk about comfort food with a fancy twist! Think of this risotto recipe as your permission to eat fancy macaroni and cheese with a side of white wine on your date.
Photo and recipe from The Curvy Carrot
5. Farro Risotto with Asparagus and Fava Beans
Not all risotto has to be made with rice, and this version uses the ancient grain farro to create a surprising and unique twist that will impress any date.
Photo and recipe from CHOW
6. Leek Risotto
We all know the worst thing on a date is having bad breath. Leeks have all the wonderful health and flavor benefits of the onion family without the horrid aftertaste that often comes with eating raw or red onions.
Photo and recipe from Food52
When carrots are cooked, they take on a sweet flavor that shines through in this recipe as you use a carrot broth to bring new flavors to your risotto.
Photo and recipe from CHOW
8. Baked Risotto with Broccoli Pesto and Scallops
Craving risotto for your date night but still need to find time to get dressed and fix your hair? Then consider making this recipe, which is baked so you won’t be forced to stand next to the stove stirring every few minutes.
Photo and recipe from Cooking for Keeps
9. Butternut Squash Risotto
This hearty winter twist on the classic risotto has mascarpone cheese mixed into it for a creamy and decadent finish. Also, the butternut squash is cooked right into the rice so you don’t have to worry about roasting it for an hour beforehand!
Photo and recipe from Strawberries for Supper
10. Freekeh Risotto with Broccolini, Lemon, and Ricotta
Impress your guest by serving this risotto recipe made with the slightly unusual grain freekeh, usually only found in Middle Eastern or North African dishes.
Photo and recipe from SBS
11. Black Risotto with Prawns
This black risotto has a unique and eye-catching presentation that will make for a memorable and delicious meal. This recipe would also be wonderful with shrimp if prawns are not available in your area.
Photo and recipe from A Little Black Apron
Shelly Westerhausen is the founder of Vegetarian 'Ventures, a food blog that focuses on planet-based recipes and healthy eating habits. In her free time, you can find her rocking a wolf T-shirt, sipping on hibiscus tea, and working on her magazine, Driftless.
