Bright, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Zesty One-Pot Courgette & Lemon Risotto is a culinary gem that transforms humble ingredients into a sensational dish. Perfectly creamy without a hint of water, it’s an inviting twist on classic risotto-infused with the sunny tang of lemon and the delicate sweetness of courgettes. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a leisurely weekend chef, this recipe promises simplicity without sacrificing sophistication, all whipped up in just one pot for easy cleanup. Get ready to awaken your taste buds with a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to savor.
Zesty One-Pot Courgette & Lemon Risotto Recipe (No water)
Zesty One-Pot Courgette & Lemon Risotto Recipe (No water) brings a bright and refreshing twist to traditional Italian comfort food. Inspired by the sunlit kitchens of the Mediterranean coast, this dish celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh courgettes and zesty lemon, combined effortlessly in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Its creamy texture and lively citrus notes make every spoonful a perfect balance of lushness and lightness-ideal for anyone craving a home-cooked meal that is both elegant and simple.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
Easy
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 2 medium courgettes, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Warm the broth in a saucepan over low heat and keep it simmering gently throughout the cooking process to ensure even rice absorption.
- In a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and toast it lightly for 2-3 minutes until the edges become slightly translucent, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring gently and continuously. Allow each addition to be mostly absorbed by the rice before adding the next ladle.
- After about 15 minutes of adding broth, gently fold in the thinly sliced courgettes, continuing to stir as you add the remaining broth. This helps the courgettes soften while releasing their delicate flavor into the risotto.
- Once the rice is al dente and creamy (after about 28-30 minutes), remove the pot from heat. Stir in the butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice, seasoning well with salt and pepper. The butter will create a velvety finish, while the lemon imparts a lively brightness.
- Fold in the fresh basil for a fragrant herbal lift and give the risotto a final taste to adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and an extra twist of lemon zest for vibrant presentation.
Tips for Success
- Choosing Courgettes: Opt for firm courgettes with shiny skin and no blemishes for maximum freshness and a subtle sweetness.
- Lemon Selection: Use unwaxed, organic lemons whenever possible to ensure a pure, bright zest and juice without chemicals.
- Broth Warmth: Always keep your vegetable broth warm to help the rice cook evenly and prevent the cooking process from slowing down.
- Achieving Creaminess: Stir constantly but gently; this releases the rice’s natural starches, creating the signature creamy texture without the need for water.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the risotto base (onions, garlic, and toasted rice) in advance and finish with broth, courgettes, and lemon just before serving for fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This risotto pairs beautifully with crisp, raw garden greens lightly dressed in lemon olive oil vinaigrette to echo the dish’s citrus notes. For a rustic touch, serve alongside garlic-rubbed toasted ciabatta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan to elevate both color and flavor. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon completes this zesty meal delightfully.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
Discover more vibrant one-pot meals like our Creamy Mushroom Risotto for an equally comforting experience. For detailed insights on choosing the freshest produce, check out this BBC Good Food guide.
Q&A
Q: What makes this Zesty One-Pot Courgette & Lemon Risotto recipe stand out?
A: This risotto is a vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish, thanks to the fresh courgette and bright lemon zest. It’s all cooked in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to savor the creamy, tangy flavors that make it perfectly refreshing and satisfying.
Q: Can I use frozen courgettes if fresh ones aren’t available?
A: Absolutely! Frozen courgettes can be a convenient substitute, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water, which could make the risotto too watery.
Q: How do I get the perfect creamy texture without adding cream?
A: The magic lies in using high-starch risotto rice, such as Arborio, and patiently stirring as you gradually add hot vegetable stock. This technique releases the rice’s natural starches, creating a luscious creaminess that feels indulgent but is totally dairy-forward and light.
Q: What’s the secret to infusing the risotto with lemon flavor without overpowering it?
A: Zesting the lemon and adding a touch of fresh lemon juice at the end balances the richness of the risotto. Adding the zest early during cooking subtly infuses the dish, while the juice added off the heat provides a fresh, vibrant punch.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
A: Yes! Simply swap the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that umami boost. The flavors of courgette and lemon shine beautifully on their own, making it a naturally vegan-friendly dish.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
A: Definitely. Prepare the risotto and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of vegetable stock or water to revive its creamy texture-just be sure not to overheat, or it might become mushy.
Q: What sides or garnishes complement this risotto?
A: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives add a lovely green freshness. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add texture and a bit of spice, enhancing the zesty theme of the dish perfectly.
Q: Can I add protein to this risotto without changing its light character?
A: Yes! Consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein boost. Alternatively, topping with grilled chicken breast or seared tofu can complement the citrusy flavors without heaviness.
Q: How important is it to use fresh lemon zest and juice versus bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide a brighter, more aromatic flavor that bottled lemon juice lacks. For the best zesty punch and fragrance, fresh is highly recommended, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Q: What’s the ideal consistency for this risotto when it’s done?
A: The risotto should be creamy and slightly loose, not dry or overly thick. It should just hold its shape on a spoon but spread easily on a plate, with tender yet slightly firm grains of rice.
In Conclusion
In the world of comfort food, this zesty one-pot courgette and lemon risotto stands out as a vibrant, refreshing twist-proving that simplicity and flavor can harmonize beautifully without a drop of water. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply seeking a bright, wholesome dish, this recipe delivers creamy indulgence with a citrusy kick that awakens the palate. So next time your taste buds crave zest and ease, let this lemon-infused risotto remind you that kitchen magic often begins and ends in a single pot. Happy cooking!
