Black Rice Risotto

Black Rice Risotto is a visually striking and creamy Italian-inspired dish made by slowly cooking short-grain rice with black rice, which gives it a deep purple hue. It typically features ingredients like Arborio or Carnaroli rice, black rice, vegetable or chicken broth, white wine, onions, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and butter. While risotto is a classic Northern Italian preparation, this version uses black rice, an ancient grain originally from Asia, to create a modern fusion twist.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates from the rice, with moderate fat from butter and cheese and some protein from the Parmesan. Black rice is notably rich in anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants), fiber, and iron, making it more nutrient-dense than traditional white risotto. A typical serving can range from 400-600 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and butter used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	65 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	400 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Magnesium	120 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Manganese	2.5 mg
Zinc	2.0 mg
Copper	0.4 mg
Folate	60 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Black rice was once so prized in ancient China that it was called 'forbidden rice' and reserved exclusively for royalty. Nutritionally, its deep purple color comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries, giving this risotto a unique healthful edge over conventional versions.