How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Risotto
Italian · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
This elegant pumpkin risotto is slow-cooked with arborio rice and finished with parmesan for an incredibly creamy and satisfying dish. It is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home with minimal ingredients.
Why this recipe works
This Pumpkin Risotto recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups arborio rice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 cups warm vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 0.75 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small shallot finely diced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Shallot
Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a wide heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the edges of the rice become slightly translucent and it smells nutty.
Step 3: Add Wine and Broth Gradually
Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed. Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. This process takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in Pumpkin and Parmesan
Remove from heat and stir in the pumpkin puree and grated parmesan until the risotto is creamy and cohesive. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dry white wine → extra vegetable broth if you prefer to cook without alcohol
- parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for a vegan version of this dish
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding all the broth at once instead of gradually which prevents the starch from releasing properly
- Cooking on too high heat which causes the liquid to evaporate too quickly and leaves the rice undercooked
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 12g protein, 58g carbs, 14g fat, 3g fiber.
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