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Just when you thought you’d hit your “all things pumpkin” limit for the year, I’m here to prove you wrong. We are taking pumpkin in a different direction here, a savory one, that is just as comforting and cozy as your favorite pumpkin bread or cake.
Let’s not forget that pumpkin is a squash, so when married with wine, shallot, herbs, and parmesan it is luscious and so very flavorful.
This makes a great side dish, addition to your Thanksgiving table, or even vegetarian main course. Spoon some roasted Brussels Sprouts on there (inspired by this recipe by The First Mess) and you’ve got a very hearty plant based supper.
“What else can I use?”
- If you don’t have pumpkin puree you can puree some butternut squash for a similar result.
- Chicken stock can be substituted for the vegetable stock
- No pecans? You can top with walnuts or pistachios, or just leave them of
Don’t let fall go by without making this simple, cozy dinner. You won’t be sorry.
Arborio rice is the best type of rice for risotto. It has a high starch content that gives risotto its creamy texture when cooked. Other types of short-grain rice, like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, can also be used, but Arborio is the most common choice.
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to choose 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken stock for vegetable stock. It will add a slightly different flavor, but it will still work well with the pumpkin and other ingredients.
To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Just be sure to watch them carefully to avoid burning.
Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg,, grated or ground
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 5-6 cups vegetable stock, can sub chicken stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable stock to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover, and keep hot while you start the risotto.
- In a large saute pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the onion with a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes before adding the rice. Cook the rice, stirring, for another 3 minutes to allow each piece of rice to be coated.
- Add the wine and stir for another minute. Add the sprigs of rosemary.
- Stir in 1 cup of the stock and cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes until liquid has been absorbed.
- 1 cup at a time, add 3 more cups of the hot stock, waiting until the liquid is absorbed before adding each cup.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and a big pinch of salt. Continue the process with the remaining stock, 1 cup at a time, until the rice is tender, about 10 more minutes. The risotto should be loose and spill onto your serving plate.
- Remove the rosemary stems and taste for salt, adding if needed.
- Top with parmesan and pecans and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love that this is more filling than a pumpkin soup but has that same cozy-factor!
Yes! The perfect description, Talia!
Enjoy,
Kat.