Valentine's Vegetarian Menu: Risotto and Beet Tartare

Vegetarian Menu Recipe: Mushroom Risotto and Chocolate Mousse

Cooking with fresh vegetables and love is a special way to create memories. This vegetarian menu is perfect for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner, full of flavors, textures, and the sweetness of fresh ingredients.

Preparation time

• Preparation: 35 min
• Cooking: 30 min
• Total: 65 min
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

Appetizer: Beet and avocado tartare

• 3 cooked and peeled beets
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 30 g capers, chopped
• 50 g black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 lemons (their juice)
• 50 g extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 50 g beetroot mayonnaise (optional)
• 1 pita bread for serving

Main Course: Creamy mushroom and parmesan risotto

• 300 g arborio rice
• 250 g fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 liter hot vegetable broth
• 100 ml of white wine dry
• 50 g butter
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dessert: Dark chocolate mousse with red berries

• 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
• 100 ml whipping cream
• 4 eggs (whites and yolks separated)
• 20-30 drops liquid Stevia (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon orange liqueur

Utensils

• Risotto pot
• Blender
• Skillet
• Molds or rings
• Bowl for bain-marie

Preparation

Preparation of Beet and avocado tartare

1. Wash the beetroots well and cook in boiling water for 30 minutes until tender.
2. Let cool, peel, and cut into small cubes.
3. Finely chop the red onion and cucumber, and set aside.
4. In a bowl, mix the beetroot, diced avocado, onion, cucumber, capers, and olives.
5. Add the lemon juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let rest in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Preparation of Creamy mushroom and parmesan risotto

1. Heat the broth in a pot over low heat to keep it warm.
2. In a pan, heat a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, reserving some for garnish.
4. Add the Arborio rice and toast for a couple of minutes.
5. Add the white wine and stir until it evaporates.
6. Add a ladleful of hot broth and wait until it is almost completely absorbed before repeating the process.
7. Continue cooking for 18-20 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
8. Off the heat, add the butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring vigorously.
9. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, garnishing with the reserved mushrooms and fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Serving suggestion

The risotto should be served immediately to enjoy its creaminess. The tartare can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, a nice touch for a romantic dinner.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Proteins: 18 g
• Fats: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 8 g

5 Keys to a delicious vegetarian menu

To achieve a truly special vegetarian menu, it is essential to pay attention to small details. Ensuring the rice is al dente is vital for the risotto's texture. For the tartare, it is essential to choose an avocado at its perfect ripeness and prevent it from oxidizing. It is also important to chop the ingredients uniformly so that all flavors integrate perfectly.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This menu is ideal for a quiet dinner of Valentine's Day, on an anniversary or simply when you want to enjoy healthy food meat-free but very special. A touch of love and dedication in each dish will make the occasion unforgettable.

Comparison table

Share your experience

Cooking is an art best enjoyed in company. Sharing experiences, tips, and anecdotes about preparing this menu is something that will enrich everyone. Leave your comment and share how this recipe turned out for you or what ideas you have to adapt it.

Culinary glossary

• Arborio Rice: Variety of Italian rice with high starch content, ideal for risottos.
• Al dente: Term describing food that is cooked but still firm to the bite.
• Water bath: Method for gently and controllably heating ingredients.
• Stiff peaks: State of beaten egg whites that form firm and stable peaks.
• Folding movements: Technique of gently mixing ingredients to maintain air and lightness.