Italian food, roots mushed up with it (7)

I believe the answer is:

risotto

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'italian food' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for risotto that I've seen before include "Perhaps Italian" , "You cook it in stock" , "Savoury rice dish" , "F" , "Italian dish of rice, meat and vegetables" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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