| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 8g | 1.2g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 6g | 1.5g |
There’s a heart-warming story behind each Tuscan-inspired masterpiece I create, and the Vegan Risotto with Clary Sage holds a special place in my culinary diary. This particular recipe marries the indulgence of traditional Italian risotto with the vibrant and refreshing flavors of summer fruit – think succulent berries, luscious peaches and tangy apricots. What truly sets this fruity fusion apart though, is the punch of unique, herbal notes from the clary sage.
A Nostalgic Tale from My Texan Kitchen
As a Texan native, I grew up surrounded by a symphony of flavors that often dances between rich Southern comfort and fiery Tex-Mex. Guided by this vibrant culinary backdrop, I always enjoy infusing a touch of the familiar into my recipes. For this Vegan Risotto with Clary Sage, I found inspiration in the heart-warming familiarity of Southern peach cobbler and the spicy sophistication of sage-infused Southwestern dishes.
A Twist on Traditional Italian Cuisine
Traditionally, risotto is a creamy, slow-cooked rice dish from Northern Italy. Here, my version takes a detour, landing squarely at the crossroads of comfort and vitality. With its creamy, al-dente Arborio rice as the canvas, the dish explodes in a spectrum of fruit-forward flavours, underscored by the distinct zing of clary sage. This dichotomy lends the dish its addictive appeal.
If you’re fan of Italian favourites like Panzanella or Winter Fruit Salad, I’d say you’re at the right place. The fruity-vibrant profile of this Vegan Risotto makes it a fantastic counterpoint to these iconic bread and fruit salads.
A Dish of Health-Fortifying Proportions
Besides being an explosion of flavor, my Vegan Risotto with Clary Sage recipe is nutrient-dense, packed to the brim with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber from the mix of summer fruits. The clary sage, in particular, is known to have several health benefits, including its calming properties and potential to aid digestion – the perfect finish to any indulgent meal.
So, whether you’re a risotto connoisseur or vegan cuisine enthusiast, or maybe someone simply looking to try something unconventional, this Vegan Risotto with the surprising twist of clary sage is genuinely something to relish. Give it a whirl in your kitchen, and I assure you, every bite will take your taste buds on an unforgettable culinary road trip — from the rustic countryside of Tuscany to the heart of the vibrant, flavor-infused South.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of Arborio rice
- 5 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh clary sage, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup of dry white wine
- 2 cups of mixed summer fruit (berries, peaches, apricots, etc.), diced
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh sage leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step Two
Add the Arborio rice to the pot, stirring frequently to coat the grains in oil. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until the rice becomes slightly toasted.
Step Three
Pour in the dry white wine, stirring constantly until the liquid has been fully absorbed by the rice.
Step Four
Lower the heat to medium-low and begin adding the vegetable broth, one cup at a time. Stir frequently and wait until each cup of broth is absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 30 minutes.
Step Five
Once all the vegetable broth has been added and absorbed, stir in the finely chopped clary sage. Also add the diced mixed summer fruit, the unsweetened almond milk, and the zest of one lemon. Continue to stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step Six
Season the risotto with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Step Seven
Serve the risotto in bowls, optionally garnished with fresh sage leaves. Enjoy your Vegan Risotto with Clary Sage!
