Eggplant Risotto
Eggplant Risotto
A savoury risotto with cubed eggplant, sweet red pepper and a touch of anchovy, finished with parsley, oregano and parmesan.
Prep: 20 minutes · Cook: 30 minutes
What Is Eggplant Risotto?
A hearty vegetable risotto in which cubed eggplant and sweet red pepper are cooked down with a little anchovy for savoury depth, then folded through creamy arborio rice.
Why Make Eggplant Risotto?
- A satisfying, vegetable-rich risotto
- Anchovy adds savoury depth without dominating
- Eggplant makes it hearty and meaty
- Classic risotto technique
- A good meatless main
Unico Products Used in This Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants (cubed and salted)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (small, chopped)
- 1 red pepper (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 2 anchovy fillets (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 L stock
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Salt the cubed eggplant and let stand 20 minutes, then pat dry.
- Melt the butter with the oil in a large pan and gently cook the onion, red pepper, garlic and anchovies.
- Add the eggplant and cook until softened.
- Stir in the rice to coat, then add the wine and let it evaporate.
- Add the boiling stock gradually, stirring, until the rice is al dente.
- Stir in the parsley, oregano and parmesan, season with pepper and serve piping hot.
Cooking Tips
- Salt the eggplant first to draw out moisture
- Melt the anchovies in so they dissolve
- Keep the stock hot and add gradually
- Stir often for creaminess
- Finish with parmesan off the heat
Frequently Asked Questions About Eggplant Risotto
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1. Why salt the eggplant first?
Salting draws out excess moisture and any bitterness, so the eggplant cooks up silky rather than soggy.
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2. Can I leave out the anchovy?
Yes, though it adds savoury depth; add a little extra salt instead.
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3. Is this dish vegetarian?
Without the anchovy and with vegetable stock, yes.
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4. What rice should I use?
A short-grain risotto rice such as arborio for the creamy texture.
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5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of stock.
Cooking Guides & Tips
Eggplant Risotto Made Simple
Eggplant Risotto is a rich, savoury way to enjoy a vegetable-forward rice dish. Unico arborio rice gives it the creamy texture risotto is loved for.