Delicious Butternut Squash Risotto: An Effortless Recipe for a Cozy Night In
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that never fails to impress with its creamy texture and rich flavor. Butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness to this comforting meal, making it a perfect choice for autumn dinners. This Butternut Squash Risotto recipe combines the hearty flavours of arborio rice, roasted butternut squash, and Parmesan cheese to create a satisfying dish that is both delicious and effortless to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 small butternut squash, peeled, deseeded, and diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 ½ cups arborio rice
– ½ cup dry white wine
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock, kept warm
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Roasting the Butternut Squash:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. Place the diced butternut squash on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside.
Making the Butternut Squash Risotto:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and arborio rice, cooking for another 2 minutes until the rice is well coated with the oil.
3. Pour in the white wine and cook until it has been absorbed by the rice, stirring constantly.
4. Begin adding the warm stock to the rice mixture, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20-25 minutes, and the rice should be al dente and creamy.
5. Fold in the roasted butternut squash, Parmesan cheese, and butter, stirring gently until the cheese and butter have melted and the squash is well distributed throughout the risotto.
6. Season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy:
7. To serve, ladle the butternut squash risotto into bowls, top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and an extra grating of Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Pair this delicious butternut squash risotto with a glass of crisp white wine for the perfect pairing.
Conclusion:
Butternut Squash Risotto is a versatile dish that is sure to become a go-to recipe for cosy nights in. The creamy texture of the risotto combined with the sweetness of the roasted butternut squash creates a harmony of flavours that will satisfy your taste buds. This recipe is simple to make and a great way to enjoy the comforting and heart-warming flavors of autumn. So, next time you are looking for a delicious and effortless meal, give this Butternut Squash Risotto recipe a try for a memorable dining experience.