Pesto Risotto with Balsamic Strawberries is a lovely twist on the classic Caprese flavors. I developed this recipe during a sad summer when I couldn’t eat nightshade vegetables (which includes tomatoes-gasp!). The elimination diet was tough, but it also prompted me to stretch my culinary muscles.
I adore the classic Caprese flavor profile and craved it deeply that I started experimenting with the savory side of strawberries. I just wanted something red to go with the green. This oven-baked risotto is one of the best dishes to come out of my nightshade-free diet. The fresh basil and strawberries speak of the garden’s harvest. This is an elegant dish, worthy of entertaining.
For best results, make your own pesto! It only take a few minutes and it saves money too.
- 2 T olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1½ c arborio rice
- ⅓ c white wine
- 6 c vegetable broth
- 1½ c sliced strawberries
- 1½ t balsamic vinegar
- ¼ c Parmesan cheese
- 2 T butter
- squirt of fresh lemon
- ½ c pesto
- optional toasted pine nuts and basil for garnish
- Preheat oven to 425°. Place a dutch oven* over a medium flame and heat olive oil. Add onions. Season with sea salt and pepper and saute for about 4 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. Stir often to avoid browning. Add garlic and saute for another minute, until you can just smell it. Add the rice and stir for about 3 minutes, until rice is toasty. Add wine. Stir. Add 5½ cups of broth and continue stirring for another minute.
- Place the lid on your dutch oven and put it in the oven for 18 minutes. No peeking. In the meantime, slice the strawberries and macerate them in vinegar with a hint of sea salt as well. If using pine nuts, toast them now and set aside.
- Take risotto out of the oven and place it over a medium flame. Remove the lid. Stir in the remaining broth, butter and cheese. Stir and cook another 3-5 minutes, until risotto is cooked through and has reached the desired creaminess. Turn off heat. Add lemon juice and pesto. Stir until well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, spooning strawberries as a garnish and sprinkling with pine nuts and basil if you have them. Enjoy
YUM! I absolutely LOVE balsamic with fruit! MUST try this!
I am on a serious risotto kick these days. It’s like the perfect food. I love the balsamic strawberries in this. What a great flavor additions!
Brittany, that’s such a sweet love story!
Great, Kathryn. Enjoy!
This looks absolutely delicious! I will have to try it out.
This looks and sounds delicious. On my first date with my husband, I told him my favorite food was strawberries and it is still true today! I love the idea of including them in a savory dish! I must try!
Go for it, Brit! It’s really tasty. Never be afraid to experiment in the kitchen. You can eat your mistakes!!
This looks really good!
I love rissoto! What a great alternative. Looks delicious!
This looks delicious! I am so scared to make risotto…but this recipe is wanting to push me beyond my comfort zone – looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing!
I have never made risotto because it intimidates me for some reason. This looks super tasty!!
Oh wow now my mouth is watering lol I need to make this! Thanks for the recipe!
Yum! I love risotto and this sounds amazing! Adding it to my to-make list!
Are you kidding me, you literally put 3 of my favorite things into one GLORIOUS dish!!! Risotto is a staple in our house, I think my hubby will love this one <3 perhaps I will make it for him for Valentines Day!
All of the flavors that you have going on sound amazing, I am seriously drooling. I can’t wait to make this!
That looks amazing! I’ll have to add that to the list of weekend dishes to try. Thank so much for the post!
This seriously looks so good! I’ve been looking for a reason to make pesto