Beetroot Risotto with Pea Shoots

This was a real 'what do I have and what do I really like'. When you live in Britain you have to really love to love beetroot. It grows so well and really adds a substantial taste to your diet. That earthiness is unmistakeable. That is what puts most people off. It is so much an acquired taste but which earns so many advocates. Beetroot has advocates like chickpeas or olives or spinach. Or maybe it is just a bunch of us who like all those vitamins.

It is big, bold and gutsy and can handle quite strong flavours. This is one of my made-up riff meals based on a beetroot and gorgonzola cheese risotto I had many years ago.

And to suit a riff meal..... just follow one of the risotto recipes and simply roast or boil the beetroot prior to adding to the risotto mix.... I probably used about 3 beetroot for 2 people. At the end of cooking add some blacksticks blue cheese (from M&S - one of those great cheeses), arrange some pea shoots on top and enjoy.