Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage and Pine Nuts

Category, DifficultyIntermediate

 

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr
 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
 4 cups cups vegetable stock, more if needed
 2 tablespoons olive oil
 1 small onion, finely chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
 ½ dry white wine
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 ¼ cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
 ½ grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
 ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
 2 unsalted butter
1

Prepare the Squash Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 25-30 minutes.

2

Warm the Stock In a saucepan, keep the vegetable stock warm over low heat.

3

Sauté the Aromatics In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4

Toast the Rice Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it with the oil, and cook until the edges become slightly translucent, about 2 minutes.

5

Deglaze the Pan Pour in the white wine and stir until it is fully absorbed.

6

Cook the Risotto Begin to add the warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

7

Add the Squash When the risotto is nearly done, fold in the roasted butternut squash, half of the sage, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine. If the risotto is too thick, add more stock until the desired consistency is reached.

8

Finish the Dish Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9

Serve Serve the risotto warm, garnished with toasted pine nuts, the remaining sage, and extra Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
 4 cups cups vegetable stock, more if needed
 2 tablespoons olive oil
 1 small onion, finely chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
 ½ dry white wine
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 ¼ cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
 ½ grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
 ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
 2 unsalted butter
Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage and Pine Nuts