13 Vegan Risottos To Keep You Warm This Fall

Creamy risotto isn't about cheese...

Cooler days and longer nights are upon us, which means comfort food season has officially arrived. It's time to hunker down with warming foods like French onion soup, macaroni and cheese and lasagna. Okay, so our favorite comfort foods happen to contain copious amounts of cheese. Guilty as charged. But there are plenty of comforting recipes that contain no cheese at all -- and sometimes, they're even vegan. We're thinking specifically of vegan pot pie, vegan soba noodle dishes, and one of our all-time favorites, vegan risottos.

While we're admittedly huge cheese fans here at HuffPost Taste (have you seen our trick for getting the creamiest cheese sauce of all time? We made a video, because it's that important), we also value vegan food. This time of year we especially love nourishing food that doesn't weigh us down, but makes us feel good from the inside out. Vegan risotto is one of those foods. It's hearty, healthy and fortifying. What's more, the gradual process of making risotto is a great excuse to linger by the stove for warmth, and to slow things down a bit.

When most people think of risotto, they often think of cheese and butter. Dairy is by no means necessary for a creamy risotto, however. First, you can easily substitute olive oil for butter. Next -- and hang on, this isn't as hard for us to admit as you might think -- omitting the cheese isn't going to hurt you! The key to a creamy risotto is in the rice and the slow, steady stirring. Cheese is just a bonus. Risotto is traditionally made with short-grain rice, namely Arborio rice, which has a higher starch content than long-grain rice. The starch contributes to the creamy texture. Slowly ladled liquid and constant stirring is the other key to risotto's creaminess. While adding cheese in at the end doesn't hurt, it's simply not necessary for a rich and satisfying dish.

What about chicken stock, then? That's not mandatory either for a standout risotto. Vegetable stock, especially if it's homemade, can do wonders in a risotto dish. Mixed with some wine, and flavorful vegetables like onions, the base of your risotto can be even more exciting than chicken stock.

Don't believe us? Here are 13 vegan risotto recipes to convince you. Once you see how simple and rewarding vegan risotto can be, you'll be coming up with your own creations in no time.

1
Pumpkin And Sage Risotto
One Ingredient Chef
Get the Pumpkin And Sage Risotto recipe from One Ingredient Chef
2
Vegan Lemon Asparagus Risotto
Food52
Get the Vegan Lemon Asparagus Risotto recipe by Gena Hamshaw from Food52
3
Lemon And Toasted Almond Risotto
Food52
Get the Lemon And Toasted Almond Risotto recipe by AntoniaJames from Food52
4
Mint And Green Pea Risotto, With Roasted Tomatoes
Food52
5
Mushroom Risotto With Caramelized Onions
Food52
Get the Mushroom Risotto With Caramelized Onions recipe by Granny G from Food52
6
Vegan Barley Risotto
Foo52
Get the Vegan Barley Risotto recipe (which could also be made with chicken stock) by fo from Food52
7
Mushroom Miso Risotto
Food52
Get the Mushroom Miso Risotto recipe by Charlie from Food52
8
Saffron Risotto With Butternut Squash And Spinach
Virtually Vegan Mama
9
Amazingly Creamy Risotto With Peas And Greens
Food52
Get the Amazingly Creamy Risotto With Peas And Greens by Mirjam Leslie-Pringle from Food52
10
Vegan Mushroom Risotto
Health Is Happiness
Get the Vegan Mushroom Risotto recipe from Health Is Happiness
11
Vegan Asparagus Risotto
Cafe Johnsonia
Get the Vegan Asparagus Risotto recipe from Cafe Johnsonia
12
Cauliflower Risotto
Fork And Beans
Get the Cauliflower Risotto recipe from Fork And Beans
13
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto
Divine Healthy Food
Get the Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto recipe from Divine Healthy Food

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