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Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

A rich and creamy pumpkin risotto that combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree with the comforting creaminess of Arborio rice and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for fall dinners, offering warming flavors and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Risotto Base

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Flavorings

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onion: Heat butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the risotto.
  2. Toast the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, coating every grain in the butter and onion mixture. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes to enhance its nutty aroma and develop a slight crunch before liquid is added.
  3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring continuously until it is fully absorbed by the rice, infusing the risotto with subtle acidity and depth of flavor.
  4. Add Broth Gradually: Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one cup at a time. Stir frequently and allow each addition to be fully absorbed before adding the next. This slow process releases the rice’s starches resulting in a creamy texture. Continue this for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite.
  5. Incorporate Pumpkin and Cheese: When the rice is cooked to perfection, stir in the pumpkin puree along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are heated through and the risotto attains a rich, creamy consistency.
  6. Season and Serve: Remove the risotto from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

  • Warm Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the risotto to enhance the pumpkin’s fall flavors.
  • Extra Creamy: Stir in mascarpone cheese or a splash of heavy cream just before serving for an ultra-luxurious texture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Parmesan with vegan Parmesan and use dairy-free butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
  • Main Dish Upgrade: Top the risotto with roasted mushrooms or toasted pepitas to add texture and richness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently by adding a little broth to restore creaminess. This dish is not ideal for freezing.

Keywords: pumpkin risotto, creamy risotto, autumn recipes, Italian risotto, vegetarian risotto, fall dinner ideas

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/creamy-pumpkin-risotto-recipe/