Italian · medium · 40 min · serves 4

How to make risotto vegan

Short answer

Replace chicken stock, butter, parmesan with mushroom or vegetable stock, vegan butter, cashew-yeast crumb + miso. The method is unchanged and takes about 40 minutes for 4 servings.

What makes the classic version non-vegan

  • Chicken stock
  • Butter
  • Parmesan

Swap table

Instead ofUseNote
Chicken stockMushroom or vegetable stockKeep it hot
ButterVegan butterFor the mantecatura
ParmesanCashew-yeast crumb + misoStir in off the heat

Method

  1. 1Toast arborio rice in olive oil with shallot until translucent at the edge.
  2. 2Deglaze with white wine and let it fully absorb.
  3. 3Add hot stock a ladle at a time, stirring, for 18 minutes.
  4. 4Off the heat, beat in cold vegan butter and cashew-yeast crumb vigorously.
  5. 5Rest 2 minutes; it should spread when the plate is tapped.

The one thing people get wrong

The final vigorous beating off the heat (mantecatura) is what creates creaminess without dairy.

Frequently asked questions

Can risotto be made vegan?
Yes. Replace chicken stock, butter, parmesan with mushroom or vegetable stock, vegan butter, cashew-yeast crumb + miso. The method stays essentially the same and takes about 40 minutes.
What is the hardest part of veganizing risotto?
The final vigorous beating off the heat (mantecatura) is what creates creaminess without dairy.
How long does vegan risotto take?
About 40 minutes for 4 servings — a medium recipe.

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