Ingredients
Method
Prepare the broth:
- Heat the broth in a saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.
Sauté the onion and garlic:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Toast the rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the onion and garlic, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
Add the wine (optional):
- If using white wine, pour it into the pan and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice, about 2-3 minutes.
Cook the risotto:
- Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, to the rice mixture.
- Stir constantly and allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next.
- Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
Add the pumpkin:
- Stir in the pumpkin puree (or roasted pumpkin cubes) and thyme.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, adding a little more broth if needed to maintain the creamy texture.
Finish the risotto:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using) until well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sage, and a little extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy pumpkin risotto!
Notes
This Pumpkin Risotto is a deliciously creamy and savory dish with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and rich flavors from Parmesan and thyme. It's a perfect fall comfort food, ideal for a cozy dinner or festive gathering!