Vegan Risotto With Broccoli

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil (or vegan butter)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup risotto rice ((e.g. Arborio))
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups vegetable broth (warmed on the stovetop)
• 1/2 cup white wine ((vegan) or more broth)
• 3 cups broccoli (cut into bite-sized florets)
• Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice ((or more to taste))
• 1 batch vegan cheese sauce (or store-bought vegan queso)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pour 3 cups of vegetable broth into a saucepan and bring to a low simmer. Keep it on the stovetop to reheat if needed.

2. 2

   Heat oil or vegan butter in a skillet/frying pan. Add onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in minced garlic and arborio rice and sauté for a further one minute or until the rice is opaque and nicely toasted.

3. 3

   Pour in 1/2 cup of wine to deglaze the pan, stirring frequently until the wine is absorbed.

4. 4

   Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth to the rice, and let simmer on low heat until the broth is absorbed. Stir frequently to achieve a creamy risotto. Add more broth, 1/2 cup at a time until the broth is absorbed, then add more.

5. 5

   After about 10 minutes, add salt, black pepper, lemon juice, broccoli florets, and more broth. Put a lid on the pan and let simmer for about 10 minutes, adding more broth if needed and stirring frequently. You will need about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of vegetable broth in total until the rice is cooked.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, make a batch of my easy vegan cheese sauce (or use store-bought vegan queso). Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to combine.

7. 7

   Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt/pepper/lemon juice to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs, serve immediately and enjoy. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.