Pumpkin Risotto

I love Italian cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes is Risotto. A good risotto can be made with Arborio Rice and basically prepared in the same way. Rice coated in butter and Olive Oil, then simmering stock is added one ladleful at a time.  What I love about making risotto is it can be flavored with an endless variety of ingredients. If you love making risotto, you’ll love my Pumpkin Risotto; it’s creamy and full of pumpkin flavor. 

Serving: 4

Prep time: 10

Cook Time: 30 – 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio Rice
• 1 cup Pumpkin Purée
• 2 tablespoons Butter, plus (1 tbsp. for the end process)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• ½ White onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine – (Pinot Grigio)
• 3 cups Low Sodium Chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Steps

1. Heat the chicken broth in a medium pan, and keep it simmering until needed.
2. In medium – large heavy pan over medium heat, add olive oil and butter, once butter has melted, then add onions and garlic.  Sauté onions and garlic until translucent/tender.
3. Add rice, mixing it well to coat it about 1 – 2 minutes.  Continue stirring rice until glossy and onions and garlic start to brown.
4. Add white wine, raise the heat slightly and cook until the wine evaporates. Then add one ladleful of hot broth, once the rice absorbed the broth then add again. Continue to stir constantly, and then add pumpkin puree and more broth.
5. Stirring the rice with a wooden spoon to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Add a little more broth, and stir until rice dries out again, continue stirring and adding liquid a little at a time. After about 20 minutes of cooking time taste rice and add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Continue cooking, stirring and adding the liquid until the rice is aldente or tender but still firm to the bite.
7. The cooking process will take about 20 – 35 minutes, but be patient “good things come to those who wait”. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in 1 tbsp. of butter and add cheese, blend well.  Taste again for seasoning. Allow the risotto to rest for about 2 – 3 minutes before serving.  Then garnish with fresh herbs and serve.