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Risotto with Butternut Squash, Greens, and Tomato

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Risotto with Butternut Squash, Greens, and Tomato

Indulge in the creamy, comforting delight of Risotto with Butternut Squash, Greens, and Tomato—an Italian classic that promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds! This vibrant dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome way to enjoy seasonal produce. With its rich flavors and velvety texture, you'll find it hard to resist going back for seconds. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's as simple to make as it is delicious? Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that will elevate your dinner table and leave everyone asking for your secret!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup Arborio rice
  2. 1 medium butternut squash, diced
  3. 2 cups vegetable broth
  4. 1 cup fresh greens (spinach or kale)
  5. 1 medium tomato, diced
  6. 1 onion, chopped
  7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  9. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the butternut squash into small cubes, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomato. Rinse the fresh greens (spinach or kale) and set them aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat. Once warmed, reduce the heat to low to keep it warm throughout the cooking process.
  3. In a large skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  5. Next, add the diced butternut squash to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to soften.
  6. Once the squash is slightly tender, add the Arborio rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and mix it with the vegetables. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
  7. Begin adding the warm vegetable broth to the rice mixture, one ladle at a time. Stir frequently, allowing the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente.
  8. When the rice is nearly cooked, stir in the diced tomato and fresh greens. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the greens are wilted and the tomato is warmed through.
  9. Once the risotto has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Let the risotto sit for a minute before serving. Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Risotto with Butternut Squash, Greens, and Tomato!

Tips

  1. Prep Ahead: To make the cooking process smoother, prepare all your ingredients in advance. Dice the butternut squash, chop the onion, and mince the garlic before you start cooking.
  2. Keep the Broth Warm: Always keep your vegetable broth warm on a low heat while cooking the risotto. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.
  3. Stir Frequently: The key to a creamy risotto is constant stirring. This releases the starches from the Arborio rice, creating that desired creamy texture.
  4. Add Broth Gradually: Add the broth one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb it fully before adding more. This slow cooking method is what makes risotto so special!
  5. Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste the risotto as it cooks. This will help you achieve the perfect al dente texture and allow you to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
  6. Experiment with Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard can add different flavors and textures to your dish.
  7. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese at the end for a rich, savory finish. For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated cheese on top before serving.
  8. Serve Immediately: Risotto is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it right away for the creamiest experience, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 350kcal

Carbohydrates: 55g

Protein: 10g

Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Cholesterol: 15mg

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