Indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of Italian cuisine with our delightful Risotto with Winter Squash! This creamy, savory dish is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season, combining the rich sweetness of winter squash with the luxurious texture of Arborio rice. In just 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to make this mouthwatering risotto that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup winter squash, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable broth in a separate saucepan and keep it simmering on low heat. This ensures the broth is warm when added to the risotto.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add diced winter squash to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly soften and develop flavor.
- Pour in the Arborio rice and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated with oil and becomes slightly toasted.
- Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait for each ladleful to be almost completely absorbed before adding the next.
- Continue this process of adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente, with a slight resistance when bitten.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will add richness and depth to the risotto.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh winter squash and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Seasonal ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste!
- Keep the Broth Warm: Always keep your vegetable broth simmering on low heat while cooking. This helps the rice absorb the liquid more evenly and enhances the creaminess of the risotto.
- Stir Constantly: The key to a perfect risotto is constant stirring. This releases the starch from the rice, creating that signature creamy texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Taste as You Go: Check the doneness of the rice as you add broth. You want it to be creamy and al dente. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the risotto sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in a more cohesive dish.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation of your risotto, making it look as good as it tastes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
