Risotto with Carrots and Spinach
Risotto with Carrots and Spinach is a creamy Italian rice dish where Arborio or Carnaroli rice is slowly simmered with vegetable broth, then stirred with sautéed carrots and fresh spinach for color and flavor. It typically includes onions, white wine, butter, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, comforting texture. Originating from Northern Italy, risotto is a staple of Milanese and Lombard cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is moderately high in carbohydrates from the rice, with a balanced mix of fats from butter and cheese, and some protein from the Parmesan. It provides key nutrients like vitamin A from carrots, iron and vitamins from spinach, and fiber, with a rough calorie range of 400-600 per serving depending on portion size and added ingredients.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 300 µg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 80 µg |
| Folate | 100 µg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, risotto represents the Italian art of 'mantecatura'—the final vigorous stirring that creates its signature creaminess without cream. Nutritionally, the combination of carrots and spinach boosts the dish's micronutrient profile, making it a colorful way to incorporate vegetables into a hearty meal.
