Butternut Squash Risotto is the perfect dish for the colder months. This creamy, comforting risotto brings together the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the rich, creamy texture of risotto. The result is a savory, slightly sweet dish that’s perfect as a cozy dinner or a sophisticated side dish for special occasions.
The natural sweetness of the butternut squash pairs beautifully with the savory flavor of the risotto, while the Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs add depth and richness. Whether you’re a risotto lover or trying it for the first time, Butternut Squash Risotto is sure to become a new favorite.
Let’s dive into why this dish is so popular, the ingredients you’ll need, and how to make it from scratch.
Why Butternut Squash Risotto is So Popular
Risotto is a dish loved around the world for its rich, creamy texture, and Butternut Squash Risotto takes it to another level by adding the subtle sweetness of roasted squash. This dish is comforting yet elegant, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special events. The addition of fresh herbs and Parmesan adds layers of flavor, while the creaminess of the risotto makes each bite rich and satisfying.
Butternut Squash Risotto also offers versatility. You can customize it by adding nuts like toasted pine nuts or walnuts, fresh greens like spinach, or even a splash of white wine for an extra burst of flavor. The recipe is easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences, and it can be made vegan or gluten-free by using plant-based substitutes.
Key Ingredients for Butternut Squash Risotto
Creating the perfect Butternut Squash Risotto requires a few key ingredients that come together to make a creamy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Butternut Squash: The Star Ingredient
Butternut squash is the foundation of this dish. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture make it an ideal ingredient to pair with the savory risotto. Roasting the squash enhances its sweetness and caramelizes the edges, creating depth of flavor.
Measurement for Butternut Squash:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
2. Arborio Rice: The Key to Creamy Risotto
Arborio rice is the best choice for risotto because it’s a short-grain rice that releases starch when cooked, giving the risotto its creamy texture. Be sure to use Arborio rice for the traditional, creamy consistency.
Measurement for Arborio Rice:
- 1 cup of Arborio rice
3. Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The Flavorful Base
The broth is essential to cooking the risotto and creating its rich flavor. You can use vegetable or chicken broth depending on your dietary preferences. Using warm broth helps maintain the cooking temperature and ensures the rice absorbs all the flavors.
Measurement for Broth:
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth (keep it warm while cooking)
4. Parmesan Cheese: For Creaminess and Flavor
Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and a savory umami flavor. It melts beautifully into the risotto, making the dish extra rich. You can use a vegan Parmesan for a plant-based version of this dish.
Measurement for Parmesan Cheese:
- ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan version)
5. Aromatics: Onion, Garlic, and Fresh Herbs
Aromatic vegetables like onion and garlic form the base of the risotto. Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary can be added to enhance the flavor, especially when paired with the sweetness of the butternut squash.
Measurement for Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or sage (or both)
6. White Wine: For Depth of Flavor
White wine is often added to risotto for its acidity and depth of flavor. It helps to balance the sweetness of the butternut squash and brings a nice brightness to the dish.
Measurement for White Wine:
- ½ cup of dry white wine (optional)
7. Butter or Olive Oil: For Sautéing and Flavor
Butter or olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic at the beginning of the cooking process. This helps release the flavors of the aromatics and creates a rich base for the risotto.
Measurement for Butter or Olive Oil:
- 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
How to Make Butternut Squash Risotto
Making Butternut Squash Risotto is a straightforward process, but it does require some attention and patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this delicious dish:
1. Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s tender and lightly caramelized around the edges. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and fresh herbs and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice and Toast
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast. This step helps the rice absorb the flavors of the broth later on.
4. Add the Wine
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice, about 2-3 minutes. Stir the rice occasionally.
5. Begin Adding the Broth
- Start adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, to the rice. Stir the rice constantly and allow the liquid to absorb before adding more broth. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and tender, which should take about 18-20 minutes.
- If you run out of broth, you can add a little water or more broth to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Combine the Squash and Rice
- Once the risotto is cooked and creamy, stir in the roasted butternut squash. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can mash half of the squash before adding it to the rice or leave it as is for a chunkier texture.
7. Finish the Risotto
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Let the risotto sit for a minute or two to allow the cheese and butter to melt into the dish.
8. Serve
- Serve the Butternut Squash Risotto hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like thyme or sage. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Why Butternut Squash Risotto is Perfect for Any Occasion
This risotto is perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Cozy Dinners: Its comforting, creamy texture makes it the perfect dish to serve on a cold evening or when you want something warm and filling.
- Special Occasions: The elegant flavors of the roasted butternut squash and the creamy risotto make it a great choice for dinner parties, holidays, or date nights.
- Meal Prep: This risotto stores well in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Conclusion
Butternut Squash Risotto is a decadent, comforting dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of roasted squash with the creamy richness of risotto. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. The added layers of flavor from the wine, garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan create a savory masterpiece that’s perfect for fall and winter.
With a little patience and attention, you can create this rich and creamy risotto that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm, delicious meal that celebrates the beauty of butternut squash!
FAQs About Butternut Squash Risotto
1. Can I make this risotto without white wine?
Yes, you can omit the white wine and substitute it with vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice to add acidity and brightness.
2. Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes, you can use other types of squash like acorn squash or kabocha squash, though the flavor will differ slightly. Butternut squash has a sweet and smooth texture that works particularly well in risotto.
3. Can I make this risotto ahead of time?
While risotto is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little extra broth or water to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
4. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make this risotto vegan, simply substitute the butter and Parmesan with vegan butter and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
5. How can I make this risotto creamier?
To make the risotto even creamier, you can stir in some vegan or dairy cream at the end, or use full-fat coconut milk instead of some of the broth.
6. Can I add protein to this risotto?
Yes, you can add protein like roasted chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled chicken to make it a more filling meal.
7. Can I make this risotto in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make risotto in a pressure cooker! Simply sauté the aromatics, add the rice and broth, then cook on high pressure for 6-8 minutes. Stir in the squash and cheese afterward.
8. How do I know when the risotto is done?
The risotto is done when the rice is tender but still has a slight bite to it. It should also have a creamy, almost pudding-like texture. If it’s too firm, continue adding broth and cooking.
9. Can I use store-bought butternut squash puree?
Yes, you can use store-bought butternut squash puree if you’re short on time, but roasted squash gives a deeper flavor and a more satisfying texture.
10. Can I freeze this risotto?
While risotto can be frozen, it may lose some of its creamy texture upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit more broth to help regain the creaminess.