Creamy Vegan Risotto with Quinoa, Asparagus, and Cauliflower
4.29 from 7 votes
Creamy Vegan Risotto with quinoa, asparagus, nutritional yeast, and cauliflower. The BEST basic vegan risotto recipe. Ultra creamy, tastes like the real deal, and you can add mushrooms, butternut squash, or any of your favorite veggies!
3tablespoonschopped fresh chivesplus additional for serving
Instructions
Place a rack in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat two large rimmed baking sheets with nonstick spray.
Place 3 cups cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) black pepper. Toss to coat, then spread in a single layer on one baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender and caramelized, tossing once halfway through.
Meanwhile, spread the artichokes in a single layer on top of several paper towels. Place a few additional sheets of paper towels on top, then press gently to remove excess water. Transfer the artichokes to a large mixing bowl. Trim the asparagus and cut into 1 1/2-inch diagonal slices, then add to the bowl with the artichokes. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat, then spread into a single layer on the second baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for 15 to 18 minutes, until the veggies are caramelized and tender, tossing once halfway through.
While the veggies roast, place the remaining cauliflower florets in a food processor. Pulse a few times until the cauliflower resembles grains of rice, then add the beans, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and 1/3 cup almondmilk. Puree just until smooth.
Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil in a Dutch oven or medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shallot and cook until it's beginning to turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the quinoa, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to coat the quinoa in the oil and shallots, then add the remaining 2 cups almondmilk. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer until the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Add the cauliflower bean puree to the quinoa and fold to combine, adding a few extra tablespoons almondmilk as needed so that you have a nice, creamy consistency. Stir in the chives. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Divide the quinoa into serving bowls. Top with a generous serving of roasted vegetables and sprinkle with additional chives. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
*Nutritional yeast is available in many grocery stores and can be ordered online here. It offers nutrients and adds a pleasantly nutty, Parmesan-like flavor for the dish. If you prefer not to use it, you can simply leave it out.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the risotto gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of almondmilk, stock, or water to keep it drying out. Store leftover vegetables separately and rewarm them in a low oven or by lightly sauting them on the stove. You can also microwave the vegetables, though they will become somewhat soggy.