This Creamy Dairy Free Risotto and Herbed Trout is a bright, fresh, and comforting meal. It pairs creamy coconut risotto with herbaceous, crispy air fried trout. This cozy meal is gluten-free, dairy-free, and AIP-friendly, and sure to be delicious!
Table of contents
Creamy Dairy Free Risotto and Herbed Trout Recipe
This creamy dairy-free risotto and herbed trout combines vibrant, herb-infused flavors with savory richness, making a deeply satisfying comfort meal!
The risotto is luscious and velvety, made with cassava orzo, creamy coconut milk, and rich bone broth. Apple cider vinegar and homemade Caribbean green seasoning add brightness and subtle acidity, keeping it light and refreshing.
It’s paired with baked or air-fried trout seasoned with the same green seasoning, bringing zesty, bold flavors from aromatic herbs. It’s tender inside and lightly crisped on the outside, with a light warmth from the scotch bonnet and delicate sweetness from the touch of honey, which beautifully contrasts with the risotto’s creaminess and savory depth.
Together, this hearty and flavor-packed risotto and trout dish is full of warmth. This gluten-free and dairy-free meal is easily adaptable — switch the cassava orzo with other types of rice or pair the risotto with different fish, making it a versatile recipe for any season.
Looking for more gluten free and dairy free dinner recipes? Try this Leek and Fennel Risotto, One-Pan Chicken and Orzo, Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa, or this Baked Fish with Fennel and Sweet Potatoes.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities.
Green Seasoning
- cilantro – both leaves and stems are used.
- garlic
- yellow onion
- chives – or green onions.
- thyme
- lime juice – freshly squeezed is best!
- scotch bonnet – halved and deseeded, optional, for heat.
- water
Creamy Dairy Free Risotto
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- green onions
- gluten-free orzo – I used the Jovial brand cassava orzo as that’s what I had on hand. It’s great for making a grain-free or paleo risotto, as its starchiness creates a creamy texture like traditional risotto with arborio rice.
- fresh thyme
- sea salt
- green seasoning – reserve 1.5 tsp for the risotto.
- apple cider vinegar
- full fat coconut milk
- gluten free bone broth – if using a store-bought broth or stock, ensure ingredients are gluten-free.
Herbed Trout
- trout filets – fresh filets are great, but you can also use thawed frozen filets. I recommend rainbow or steelhead trout.
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- green seasoning
- honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chives or green onions can be used interchangeably in the green seasoning.
- If available, you can use culantro/chadon beni in lieu of cilantro for a more authentic Caribbean green seasoning. Note culantro has a much stronger flavor than cilantro.
- Use any type of bone broth or any vegetable, chicken, or beef stock or broth. You could also use boiled, salted water, although the risotto will be much less flavorful.
- You can use any type of trout or swap for any other fish including salmon, halibut, cod, white fish, fresh or saltwater fish, whatever you like! Note the cooking times may vary depending on the type and size/thickness of the filets.
- Swap out the cassava orzo for traditional arborio rice, regular orzo, or other short or medium-grain rice varieties. Note the cooking time will differ accordingly.
- AIP Modifications: For both Core and Modified AIP, omit the scotch bonnet pepper, and ensure the full fat coconut milk and bone broth are additive-free, made from compliant ingredients. For Core AIP, use grain-free orzo and omit the black pepper.
Instructions
Step 1. Make the Green Seasoning
Add the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until combined into a relatively smooth paste.
Step 2. Make the Creamy Dairy Free Risotto
First, sauté the onions and green onions. Then, add the thyme and garlic.
Next, add orzo, green seasoning, salt, and apple cider vinegar, and stir.
Finally, add the liquids in intervals. Allow to reduce, stirring often.
Step 3. Make the Herbed Trout
See the recipe card below for oven-baked trout instructions.
Season the filets with salt and black pepper on both sides and drizzle olive oil over the top of the filets. Divide the remaining green seasoning amongst the filets and brush to spread it evenly.
Cook the trout in the air fryer at 350F for 6 minutes. Drizzle honey evenly over filets and return to air fryer at 400F for 2 more minutes.
Step 4. Serve
Divide the dairy-free risotto between bowls and top with herbed trout. Optionally, garnish with additional green onion slices and a lime wedge. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Optional Heat
Feel free to amp up or decrease the heat level by using more or less scotch bonnet pepper, or omit it completely for a nightshade-free and AIP compliant version.
Marinating the Trout
If you’d like to marinate the trout beforehand, I recommend adding more water to make a more liquid marinade. Marinate the trout in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes – 1 hour, until ready to cook.
Adjust for Size and Taste
Use your discretion to determine the appropriate amount of olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, green seasoning, and honey for each filet, based on the size.
Achieving the Ideal Risotto Texture
Overcooking and/or over-stirring the risotto will lead to an undesirable texture. You want the dish to cook until al dente, so the orzo or rice is tender but still retains some bite. Pay attention to the risotto, stirring to prevent the grains from sticking to the pan or clumping together, and to encourage the creamy texture as the starch releases from the grains.
Avoid Overcooking the Trout
Overcooking the fish will dry it out. Instead, it should be crispy on the outside and tender inside, and easy to flake with a fork.
Varying Cook Times
Depending on whether you use grain-free orzo (as I did) or another type of rice, the cook times may differ. Use the package’s instructions as a guide on cook times. Your risotto will be ready when most of the liquid has absorbed and the grains are tender.
Similarly, note the cook times may differ depending on the type of fish and size/thickness of the filets that you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional risotto is made with arborio rice, which is naturally gluten-free, like all types of rice. However, depending on the cross-contamination of the grains or the type of broth used, it may contain gluten, for example, if using a bouillon cube. Risotto is also usually made with dairy products like butter, parmesan cheese, and even cream sometimes, and is not traditionally dairy-free.
Yes, you can make it in a blender (you might need to add a bit more liquid) or by hand. To manually prepare green seasoning, mince the onions, chives, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and use a mortar and pestle to grind and combine all the ingredients until paste-like.
Green seasoning is an excellent seasoning for all types of meats and fish, and as a base in soups, stir fries and for sautéing veggies. You can try it in some of my other gluten and dairy-free dishes like this Caribbean Fish and Chips or my Trinidadian Stew Beef.
Based on the size of your filets, the cook times will differ. Your filets are ready when they are opaque and flake easily. You can also check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to determine if they’ve been cooked through. They’re safe to eat when internal temp reads 145F.
A hearty serving of vegetables or a side salad would round out this meal well. Roasted vegetables or sautéed vegetables, a Warm Kale Salad with Grapes or even simple leafy greens would go nicely.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store the dairy fre risotto and trout in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this dish.
- Reheating Instructions: You can reheat the risotto and trout in the microwave. Reheat the trout filets in the air fryer at 400F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through or in an oven at 350F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
As the creator of an online dairy-free and gluten-free baking school, I understand how challenging it is to find dairy and gluten-free dishes that taste as delicious as their conventional counterparts. That’s why you’ll love my Creamy Dairy Free Risotto and Herbed Trout recipe! It’s full of bright flavors and rich creaminess without any dairy or gluten. If you do, I would appreciate it if you would give the recipe a rating and review. Be sure to snap a picture of the finished product and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @healmedelicious and using the hashtag #healmedelicious.
Print
Creamy Dairy Free Risotto and Herbed Trout Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Dairy Free Risotto and Herbed Trout is a bright, fresh, and comforting meal. It pairs creamy coconut risotto with herbaceous, crispy air fried trout. This cozy meal is gluten-free, dairy-free, and AIP-friendly, and sure to be delicious! Oven instructions included.
Ingredients
Green Seasoning
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (leaves and stems)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 2 TBSP fresh thyme
- 2 TBSP fresh lime juice
- half scotch bonnet, deseeded (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Dairy Free Risotto
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 bunch green onions, white parts finely chopped, green parts thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 cup grain-free orzo, Arborio rice, or other rice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1.5 tsp green seasoning
- 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk
- 2 cups bone broth, divided
Herbed Trout
- 4 filets rainbow or steelhead trout
- sea salt
- ground black pepper
- 1–2 TBSP olive oil for drizzling
- remaining green seasoning
- 2 TBSP honey, divided
Instructions
Green Seasoning
- Add cilantro, garlic, onion, chives, thyme, lime juice, scotch bonnet, and water to a food processor and pulse until combined into a relatively smooth paste.
- Reserve 1.5 tsp for the risotto and reserve the remaining green seasoning for the fish filets.
Creamy Dairy Free Risotto
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add onions and green onions. Reduce heat slightly and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and thyme and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring intermittently.
- Add orzo, sea salt, green seasoning, and apple cider vinegar, and stir together, allowing the vinegar to reduce slightly.
- Add coconut milk and 1 cup bone broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low-medium and allow to cook 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, stirring intermittently.
- Reduce heat to low, add remaining 1 cup bone broth, and allow to cook an additional 10-12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender and creamy, stirring frequently.
- Taste and adjust for salt as necessary. Serve warm.
Herbed Trout
- Pat dry both sides of fish filets with paper towels.
- Add salt and pepper to both sides of each filet.
- Drizzle each filet with olive oil, about 1/4 – 1/2 TBSP each (depending on size of filets).
- Evenly divide the remaining green seasoning amongst the fish filets, adding about 1.5-2 tsps or so to the flesh side of each filet.
- Air fry or bake the trout.
- Serve fish filet on top of creamy dairy-free risotto. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a lime wedge (optional).
Air Fryer Instructions
- Lightly brush or spray oil on the basket of the air fryer. Preheat air fryer to 350 F.
- Place seasoned filets in the basket of the air fryer skin side down, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook in the air fryer for 6 minutes.
- Remove from heat and drizzle 1/2 TBSP honey on each fish filet.
- Return trout to air fryer. Increase heat to 400F and air fry for 2 more minutes.
- Remove and serve.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Place seasoned filets on the baking dish skin side down and place in the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and drizzle 1/2 TBSP honey on each fish filet.
- Return trout to oven and broil on HI Broil for 2 minutes.
- Remove and serve.
Notes
Depending on the type of rice you use the cook time will differ. Use the package’s instructions as a gauge for cooking times, and cook until the grains are tender and the dish is creamy, with the liquid mostly absorbed.
Use your discretion to determine the amount of olive oil, salt, black pepper, green seasoning, and honey to use on each filet, based on the size.
Note that the cooking times may differ based on the type of fish you use and the thickness/size of the filets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop & Baked/Air Fried
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Caribbean-flavored
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