Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Roast the Pumpkin
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Place the pumpkin cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
– Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Broth
– In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm on the stove.
3. Cook the Risotto
– In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
– Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted and coated with the oil and butter.
4. Add the Wine
– Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine is mostly absorbed by the rice.
5. Add the Broth
– Begin adding the warm broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladleful.
– Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
6. Add the Spinach and Pumpkin
– Stir in the chopped spinach and roasted pumpkin cubes. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the pumpkin is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish the Risotto
– Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve
– Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Enjoy your Roasted Pumpkin and Spinach Risotto, a creamy and comforting dish perfect for any season!
