Indulge in the Flavors of Autumn with Pumpkin Risotto with Sage and Parmesan 🍂🎃 - Monday, Week 36

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

Introduction

As the leaves start to change color and the air takes on a cooler hint, it’s time to welcome fall with comforting, heartwarming meals. Our Pumpkin Risotto with Sage and Parmesan captures the essence of the season in each creamy, flavorful bite. This risotto combines the nutty richness of arborio rice with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, beautifully accentuated by the aromatic complexity of sage and Parmesan. It's like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp autumn evening.

Ingredients

• 300g Arborio rice
• 600g Pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1.5L Chicken or vegetable stock
• 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 10 Sage leaves
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stock: In a pot, warm the chicken or vegetable stock over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process.
2. Cook the Pumpkin: In a separate pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the pumpkin cubes until they become soft. You can also roast them in the oven for extra flavor.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring it in the onion and garlic mixture until well-coated and slightly translucent around the edges.
5. Begin the Risotto: Start adding the warm stock, one ladle at a time, to the rice mixture. Stir constantly until each ladle of stock is absorbed before adding the next.
6. Add the Pumpkin and Sage: Halfway through the cooking, add the cooked pumpkin cubes and sage leaves to the risotto.
7. Finish with Parmesan: Once the risotto is creamy and the rice is al dente, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve Warm: Dish up generous portions of your Pumpkin Risotto, garnishing with additional Parmesan and a sage leaf. Enjoy the flavors of autumn in each bite!

Wine Pairing

A full-bodied Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with this creamy pumpkin risotto. The wine's rich and buttery notes complement the dish’s earthy and nutty flavors.