Creamy Spinach And Lentil Risotto Recipe
Italian cuisine · 561 calories

About this recipe
Creamy Spinach and Lentil Risotto is a delightful Italian-inspired dinner that brings comfort and nutrition to your table. Made with Arborio rice, tender green lentils, and fresh spinach, this dish is a protein-packed meal that fits perfectly into a vegetarian lifestyle. The risotto's creamy texture and the herbaceous, tangy notes from nutritional yeast and lemon juice make it a unique and flavor-rich experience. With 99g of protein and 24g of fiber, it's not just delicious but also a powerhouse meal to fuel your body and satisfy your hunger. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a cozy evening meal or a special dinner to impress. Serve warm, and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 Kg Riseria Campanini Arborio Rice, 1Kg
- 500G Great Scot Vegetable Broth Mix
- 500 G Trs Green Lentils
- 1 Bunch Spinach Fresh 1 Bunch
- - Biona Capers In Olive Oil
- 1 Onion Large 1 Each
- 50G Black Garlic Cloves, 50G
- 100G Nutritional Yeast Flakes With Added B12, 100G
- 250 Ml Trs Lemon Juice 250Ml
- 400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G
- 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
Instructions
- 1. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves, setting them aside for cooking.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- 4. Stir in the Arborio rice and toast it for 2 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated in oil.
- 5. Gradually add vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding the next.
- 6. Fold in the cooked lentils and let them warm through as the risotto thickens and becomes creamy.
- 7. Add the spinach leaves and stir gently until wilted, ensuring even distribution throughout the risotto.
- 8. Sprinkle in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, followed by lemon juice for brightness.
- 9. Season the risotto with salt and black pepper, tasting to adjust as needed.
- 10. Remove the pan from heat and let the risotto rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- 11. Plate the risotto, garnishing with additional nutritional yeast if desired, and enjoy while warm.
How to make Creamy Spinach And Lentil Risotto
- Soften the onion and garlic. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté the onion in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Toast the rice. Stir in the arborio rice and toast it for 2 minutes over medium heat, making sure every grain is well coated in the oil.
- Add stock and lentils. Add vegetable stock one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed. Fold in the cooked lentils and let them warm through as the risotto thickens and turns creamy.
- Add spinach and seasoning. Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour and lemon juice for brightness. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Rest and serve. Take the pan off the heat and rest the risotto for 2 minutes, then plate it with extra nutritional yeast if you like and enjoy while warm.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Creamy Spinach and Lentil Risotto take?
- About 35 minutes: 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, most of it stirring the Arborio rice.
- Is Creamy Spinach and Lentil Risotto vegetarian?
- Yes, it is vegetarian. It is made with Arborio rice, green lentils, spinach and vegetable stock, with nutritional yeast for a savoury finish.
- Why add the stock one ladle at a time?
- Adding it gradually and stirring releases starch from the rice, which gives risotto its creamy texture. Wait until each ladle is absorbed before adding the next.
- Can I use grated hard cheese instead of nutritional yeast?
- Yes, a finely grated hard cheese gives a similar savoury, cheesy note. Stir it in off the heat at the end so it melts smoothly, and taste before adding more salt.
- Can risotto be reheated?
- Yes, but it firms up in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water, stirring until loose and piping hot, and eat within two days.