Roasted Shallot and Zucchini Ribbon Risotto

Shallots transform when roasted: their sharp bite gives way to a deep, jammy sweetness. In this risotto, those caramelized morsels are folded into creamy Arborio rice, creating little bursts of flavor in every spoonful. The dish is finished with delicate zucchini ribbons, adding a fresh, green contrast that makes it feel special.

While impressive enough for a holiday table, this risotto is also simple enough for a cozy dinner for two. The key is patience—adding the stock gradually and stirring until the rice is perfectly al dente. The result is a luxurious, comforting dish that’s naturally gluten-free.

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Ingredients

2 unit ShallotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 cup Arborio RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel and quarter the shallots. Place them on a large piece of aluminum foil. Fold up the sides to create a pouch. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Seal the pouch and place on a baking sheet. Roast until shallots are soft and caramelized, 15–20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, wash and dry all produce. In a small pot, bring 3 cups water and the stock concentrates to a gentle simmer. Mince or grate the garlic. Halve the lemon. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the zucchini into long ribbons, stopping when you reach the seedy core. Finely chop the core.
3. In a large, tall-sided pan or medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped zucchini core. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until the grains become translucent, 1–2 minutes.
4. Begin adding the warm stock to the rice, one ladleful (about ½ cup) at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladleful. Continue until the rice is tender and creamy, 25–30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. While the risotto cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a separate large pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini ribbons, season with salt and pepper, and cook, tossing, until tender, about 5 minutes. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the ribbons and toss to combine.
6. Stir the roasted shallots and Parmesan into the risotto. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the risotto to a serving dish or serve directly from the pan. Top with the zucchini ribbons and serve immediately.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Aluminum foil

Reynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer Safe and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 200 Total Sq. Ft.View on AmazonReynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer Safe and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 30 Total Sq. Ft.View on AmazonReynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Roll, Thick Heavy Duty Foil for Added Strength and Durability, Secure Easy Open and Close Tab, 12 Inches Wide, 50 Sq. Ft.View on Amazon

Baking sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Vegetable peeler

Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Soft Grip Handle and Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Blades - Perfect Kitchen Peeler For Veggie, Fruit, Potato, Carrot, Apple - BlackView on AmazonOXO Good Grips Swivel PeelerView on AmazonZulay Kitchen Premium Vegetable Peeler for Kitchen - Swivel Peeler with Razor Sharp Stainless Steel Blades & Strong Ergonomic Handle - Dishwasher Safe, Easy To Use with Blemish Remover - BlackView on Amazon

Small pot

SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonCuisinart 8919-14 Professional Series 1-Quart Saucepan with Cover, Stainless Steel, Mirror FinishView on Amazon

Large pan or pot

Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonGreenLife 6QT Nonstick Stockpot with Straining Lid, Soft Grip, PFAS-Free Ceramic, Pour Spout, Multipurpose Cooking Pot, Sauces & Soups, Milk Pan, Stay-Cool Handles, Dishwasher & Oven Safe, TurquoiseView on AmazonUmite Chef Pots and Pans Set Non Stick, 21 pcs Ceramic Cookware Set with Detachable Handles, Healthy Induction Cookware, RV Kitchen Cooking Set, with Utensils & Frying Pans Set, PFAS PFOA & PTFE FreeView on Amazon

Large pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I make this risotto ahead of time?

Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prepare the roasted shallots and zucchini ribbons in advance. Reheat the risotto gently with a splash of stock or water.

What can I substitute for Arborio rice?

Carnaroli or vialone nano rice are excellent substitutes. Avoid long-grain rice as it won’t create the same creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your stock concentrate and Parmesan are certified gluten-free if needed.