Find how to make a creamy pumpkin risotto in just under 40 minutes. Well, I have the perfect recipe for you! Super creamy and very easy to make. Even if this is your first homemade risotto.
It’s finally pumpkin season! I’ve meant to do this recipe for quite a while now. But it always seems more suitable to make a pumpkin dish in the fall/winter season.
So, today we are going to be making an easy and delicious Italian pumpkin risotto. The spooky season is not all about just candies, pumpkin pies, and pumpkin spice latte.
If you give a little attention to the risotto, you will succeed every time with it. I really tried to make the recipe as easy as possible. So please don’t feel put out and give it a try.
Regarding the pumpkin, it’s important to choose the right one.
Don’t grab the first pumpkin that you will find. I don’t advise using your Jack-o’-lantern from your front yard. For better taste, we will need to find a sweet and delicious pumpkin.
Butternut and buttercup squash would work great in this recipe. You can also use a kabocha squash. They all are quite sweet, so choose the one that works for you.
You should also know that different kinds of rice are used for different dishes.
For this recipe, use short-grain rice when you are making risotto. If you are looking for an exact name, then for a creamy risotto, use “Carnaroli” rice or “Arborio” rice. Also, check a more detailed article on what types of rice to use for risotto.
These two types of rice have a large quantity of starch and as a result, they will give your risotto an increased creaminess and the right risotto texture.
The pumpkin and rice combo is simply the best thing ever! The delicious creamy meal will leave everyone satisfied.
This dish can offer you a perfect date night with your partner. Organize a spooky movie night and cook a homemade Italian Pumpkin Risotto.
Just imagine blankets on a couch, a warm creamy meal, two glasses of good white wine, and your partner near you.
Let’s dive in!
Needed Ingredients
- Pumpkin adds a sweet and creamy texture to the risotto. If you don’t have it at hand, you can easily substitute it with butternut squash, buttercup squash, or kabocha squash for a similar texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Broth provides the base flavor and moisture for the risotto. If you run out of vegetable broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth (if not vegetarian), mushroom broth, or water with vegetable bouillon to maintain the savory essence of the dish.
- Rice. I recommend using Carnaroli or Arborio rice because these types of rice are known for their high starch content, which contributes to the creamy texture of risotto. If these specific varieties are unavailable, you can substitute them with Vialone Nano rice or sushi rice, both of which have similar starch levels and work well in risotto recipes.
- White Wine adds acidity and flavor to the risotto. When you’re out of white wine, you can substitute it with dry white grape juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar for a similar acidic element in the dish.
- Onions add a savory and aromatic base to the risotto. If you’re in need of a substitute, shallots or leeks can be used interchangeably for a comparable flavor profile and aroma.
- Parmesan Cheese contributes a salty and nutty flavor to the risotto. In case you’re looking for an alternative, consider using Pecorino Romano cheese for a similar salty note or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
- Butter adds richness and creaminess to the risotto. If you’re running low on butter or prefer a different option, you can substitute it with olive oil for a classic choice or opt for vegan alternatives like vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Get ready all the ingredients that we need for this recipe and let’s begin.
Pour 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a pan. Warm up a little bit the oil and then add the chopped onions. Cook the onions until it will start to become transparent (2-3 minutes).
Add the chopped pumpkin into the pan and mix well all the ingredients. Cook the pumpkin for about 5 minutes and mix the vegetables from time to time.
Now its time to add the rice above the pumpkin. Mix all the ingredients well and cook them for about 4-5 minutes until the rice will become transparent.
Add the white wine and continue to cook at medium to high heat.
By cooking on medium to high heat, you will evaporate all the alcohol from the wine. As a result, we will keep only a fine aroma of the wine.
Add broth little by little and mix continuously. This is the secret of getting a creamy risotto. You need to add the broth a little at a time and mix constantly while cooking.
Repeat the process every time after the broth will be absorbed by the rice.
Over and over again until you have used all the broth.
Add ½ teaspoon of salt, or adjust it to your taste. But keep in mind that after the salt, we will add also the parmesan that is also salted.
Add 1 cup of parmesan and 40 grams of butter. If you like more cheese and creamy results, you can increase the amount of butter and parmesan.
Mix well all the ingredients and have a great meal.
Our creamy and delicious risotto is ready to be served! You can sprinkly a little bit of freshly grated parmesan over it.
😻 Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Creamy Saffron Risotto
- 4 Ingredients Half And Half Alfredo Sauce
- 4 Ingredient Eggplant Pasta (Pasta Alla Norma)
- 4 Ingredient Tomato And Garlic Pasta
- 4 Ingredient Zucchini And Tomato Pasta
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
Can You Use Canned Pumpkin in the Risotto Recipe?
Sure, you can use the canned pumpkin but in that case, you will need to change a little bit the cooking process. You will add the pumpkin after you will evaporate the wine. Otherwise, follow the recipe.
How Do I Choose the Right Pumpkin for the Recipe?
To ensure the best taste, it’s essential to choose a sweet and delicious pumpkin. Avoid using Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins from your front yard. Instead, opt for varieties like butternut squash, buttercup squash, or kabocha squash, as they are known for their sweet and savory flavors.
What Are Some Optional Toppings or Garnishes for Pumpkin Risotto?
You can enhance the flavor and presentation of your Pumpkin Risotto with optional toppings or garnishes. Consider adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or basil for a burst of freshness. A drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can also elevate the dish’s taste and texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time for a Dinner Party?
Pumpkin Risotto is best enjoyed freshly cooked to maintain its creamy texture. While you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance, it’s recommended to finish cooking the risotto just before serving to ensure it’s at its best. However, you can prep the ingredients and cook it shortly before your dinner party for a delicious and impressive dish.
Recipe Card:
Pumpkin Risotto Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients.
- Add the olive oil and chopped onions to a pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped pumpkin and cook it for about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice cook it for about 4-5 minutes until the rice will become transparent.
- Add the white wine and continue to cook at medium to high heat.
- Add broth little by little and mix continuously.
- Repeat the process every time after the broth will be absorbed by the rice.
- Over and over again.
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt, or adjust it to your taste.
- Add 1 cup of parmesan and 40 grams of butter.
- Mix well all the ingredients. Enjoy!
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Select a sweet and flavorful pumpkin or squash variety for the best results. Butternut squash, buttercup squash, or kabocha squash work well in this recipe, offering a creamy and rich taste.
- Achieving the perfect risotto texture involves adding broth gradually and stirring continuously. This process releases the rice’s starches, creating the desired creaminess. Be patient and enjoy the journey of stirring!
- Taste the risotto before adding salt, as the parmesan cheese contributes saltiness. Adjust the salt according to your preference, keeping in mind the cheese’s salt content.
- For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating finely minced garlic or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or sage when sautéing the onions. These aromatic additions can elevate the taste of your risotto.
- To make your dish visually appealing, garnish your Pumpkin Risotto with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a few fresh herb leaves like parsley or basil just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
- Feel free to customize your risotto with your favorite ingredients. You can add sautéed mushrooms, roasted butternut squash cubes, or wilted spinach for extra flavor and variety.
Gabriela Herrera
This looks absolutely delicious. Risotto has always been so intimidating to me. But you make it look so easy to make.