Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy, comforting risotto made with sweet roasted butternut squash, savory Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh sage. A perfect cozy meal for a crisp autumn evening, it's rich, flavorful, and authentically Italian.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast and Puree the Squash
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.On a large baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- d.Spread in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- e.While the squash roasts, place the 6 cups of vegetable broth in a separate saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process.
- f.Once roasted, set aside about half of the squash cubes. Transfer the other half to a blender with 1/2 cup of the warm broth and blend until completely smooth. Set both the puree and the cubes aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Toast Rice
- b.In a large, wide, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped shallot and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- e.Add the Arborio rice to the pot. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast each grain. The grains will become slightly translucent at the edges.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deglaze and Cook the Risotto
- b.Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir until the wine is completely absorbed by the rice.
- c.Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful (about 1/2 cup) at a time. Stir the risotto frequently, almost constantly, until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladleful.
- d.Continue this process for 20-25 minutes. The constant stirring helps release the rice's starches, creating a creamy texture. The risotto is done when the rice is 'al dente'—tender with a slight chew in the center.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish with 'Mantecatura' and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Vigorously stir in the cold butter pieces and the grated Parmesan cheese. This step, called 'mantecatura', makes the risotto exceptionally creamy.
- c.Gently fold in the butternut squash puree and the reserved roasted squash cubes.
- d.Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your taste.
- e.Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with chopped fresh sage and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan. This allows the rice to cook in a shallow layer, promoting even cooking.
- 2Keep your broth warm! Adding cold broth will cool down the rice and halt the cooking process, resulting in a gummy texture.
- 3Don't stop stirring. The friction is essential for creating the creamy starch that defines a good risotto.
- 4Use high-quality Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano rice for the best results.
- 5For a gourmet touch, fry a few whole sage leaves in a tablespoon of olive oil until crispy and use them as a garnish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Make it Vegan
Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or more olive oil. Use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative and ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Fold in cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, crispy pancetta, or grilled shrimp at the end for a heartier meal.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Top the finished risotto with a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped thyme or rosemary along with the garlic for a deeper, more complex herbal flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Butternut squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from Arborio rice are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy without a sharp spike in blood sugar.
High in Dietary Fiber
With significant fiber from the butternut squash, this dish supports digestive health, promotes satiety, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Immunity Boosting
Garlic contains compounds like allicin with known immune-boosting properties, while the vitamins in the squash also contribute to a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a healthy diet. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins and fiber. The dish provides complex carbohydrates for energy. However, it is also rich in calories due to the rice, butter, and cheese, so portion control is key.