Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto: A Comforting Fall Dish

Warm, creamy, and utterly comforting, this Butternut Squash Risotto is perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors of roasted butternut squash meld beautifully with arborio rice, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy texture and subtle sweetness.

As the weather cools, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade risotto to warm you up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform a regular weeknight dinner into something special. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals.

So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

• Creamy Texture: The arborio rice creates a rich and creamy consistency that elevates the dish to comfort food status.
• Natural Sweetness: Roasted butternut squash adds a natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile without needing extra sugar.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare yet tastes gourmet.
• Versatile: This risotto can be served as a main course or a side dish, making it perfect for any meal.
• Seasonal Appeal: Utilizing seasonal butternut squash makes this recipe not only delicious but also timely and fresh.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own.
• Comfort Food: The warmth and heartiness of the risotto provide the ultimate comfort during chilly days.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant orange color of the dish is visually appealing, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
• Nutritious: Butternut squash is rich in vitamins and minerals, adding a healthy twist to this indulgent dish.
• Leftover Friendly: This risotto tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

Key Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: Provides sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Arborio Rice: The traditional rice used for risotto, known for its ability to absorb liquid and become creamy.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor; can use low-sodium for a healthier option.
• Onion: Sautéed for a flavorful base.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for creaminess and a savory finish.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing and added richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Such as sage or thyme, for added aroma and flavor.
• White Wine (optional): For deglazing and added complexity of flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Squash: Choose a firm, unblemished butternut squash for the best flavor and texture. Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness.
• Warm Your Broth: Keep your broth warm in a separate pot. Adding cold broth can slow down the cooking process and affect the creamy texture.
• Sauté the Rice: Toasting the arborio rice in olive oil or butter before adding the broth enhances its flavor and helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
• Add Liquid Gradually: Pour in the broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until it’s absorbed before adding more. This technique releases the starches in the rice, creating a creamy risotto.
• Don’t Rush It: Allow the risotto to cook slowly. Rushing can lead to uneven cooking and a less creamy texture.
• Finish with Butter and Cheese: Stir in a bit of butter and grated Parmesan at the end for extra richness and a velvety finish.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your risotto as you go. Adjust seasoning and flavors to suit your preferences.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken for variation.
• Let It Rest: Allow the risotto to sit for a minute after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together.
  Serve Immediately: Risotto is best served fresh. If it sits too long, it may thicken, but you can loosen it with a bit of extra broth or water when reheating.

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Print Recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto: A Comforting Fall Dish

Author: Courtney Cooking Method: Roasting Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Corn Free Dairy Gluten Free High Protein P pescatarian Quick Meals Soy Free Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Temp: 400  °F Servings: 4 Calories: 400

Best Season: Winter, Fall

Dietary:

G Gluten Free H High Protein P Pescatarian V Vegetarian

Description

Warm, creamy, and utterly comforting, this Butternut Squash Risotto is perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors of roasted butternut squash meld beautifully with arborio rice, creating a dish that's both indulgent and satisfying. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy texture and subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and diced)

• 1 cup arborio rice

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (warmed)

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)

• 3 cloves cloves garlic (minced)

• ¹⁄₂ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine (optional, for deglazing)

• Fresh herbs (such as sage or thyme, optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash

   • Peel and dice the butternut squash into small cubes.
   • Toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

   • In a large saucepan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

1. Toast the Rice

   • Add the arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the oil, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly translucent.

1. Deglaze with Wine (optional)

   • If using white wine, pour it into the pan and stir until it has mostly evaporated.

1. Add Broth Gradually

   • Begin adding the warmed broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more broth.
   • Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

1. Incorporate Roasted Squash

   • Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the roasted butternut squash.
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Rest the Risotto

   • Remove the pan from heat and let the risotto sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.

1. Serve

   • Spoon the risotto into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs (if desired), and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

Calories from Fat 150kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15g24%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 20mg7%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 3g

Protein 10g20%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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