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SugarLoveSpices

Published: Nov 7, 2019 · Modified: Nov 7, 2019 by Loreto · 16 Comments

How To Make The Best Squash Risotto

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How To Make The Best Squash Risotto. Just when you thought risotto is hard to make, think again. With a few ingredients and in less than ½ hour, you will have the most delicious creamy flavorful risotto!

Song of the day: "Putting on the Ritz" by Taco.

The best squash risotto-feature

Flavor and Texture, I'm in!

How To Make The Best Squash Risotto Takes you on a step by step easy to follow illustrated tutorial on a misunderstood traditional Italian dish. After you make this risotto it will surely become a go-to dinner over and again, because the flavor and texture are amazing and options for deliciousness endless. A perfect recipe for any season, I think!

 

 

Here it is How To Make The Best Squash Risotto

How to make a wonderful risotto? Well, as promised, for the ones who made it out to The Edmonton Fall Home Show and saw us on the main cooking stage, here it is. First things first the ingredients:

  • 1 medium-sized Delicata squash
  • Carnaroli rice
  • 1 medium onion 
  • Olive oil
  • Chili flakes
  • White wine
  • Vegetable broth
  • Butter
  • Parmigiano Reggiano
  • Paprika

best squash risotto recipe-cutting the squash

It's all about the prep.................

I may seem repetitive, however, I stick to my guns on this one. Prep is key to a successful dish! Risotto is no exception. Because it is a quick process in making this dish having all the ingredients on hand and ready will make it so easy and enjoyable. With that being said, the first step in this recipe process is this:

  1. Cut the squash in half and scoop out seeds and pulp. The skin on squash is quite hard and sometimes difficult to peel, however, if you take the halves and cut them into small wedges then peel them, it makes it a lot easier.
  2. Then all that has to be done is to cut it up into small bite-size pieces.
  3. Followed by the chopping of the onion, and of course gathering up the olive oil, rice, white wine,  butter, Parmigiano, paprika, chili flakes.

Risotto 101.............................................

You probably know the type of rice called Arborio, for years I think everyone knew this as the rice to use for risotto, including myself, however, there is another rice that works really well. It is called Carnaroli. I like it because it has this wonderful starch to it and becomes so creamy, but the inside stays nice and al dente. I find that Arborio is good, however, it can be overcooked quite quickly.

best squash risotto recipe-onion and squash in the pan

Let's get cooking................

I have to say risotto is a great way to get the family involved and also a wonderful time to bond with your wife, husband, or partner. It is a lot more fun when you do it with another and as a result, a success in How To Make The Best Squash Risotto!

First things first, we have to start flavoring the pan and that is done with the olive oil and a pat of butter along with some chili flakes (optional). In goes the onions and a few minutes later the squash and a seasoning of salt and pepper. With a little sauté and time this mixture is ready to receive the Carnaroli rice.

This is a very important step as we want to toast and then coat the rice with all that oil and butter and flavor which in return will produce a wonderful amazing flavored creaminess!

best squash risotto recipe-toast the rice with the squash in the pan

Wine is not for drinking alone.................

Many ask what wine do I use for cooking, our response, one that you enjoy drinking.  Time to pour some wine which will add another level of taste to the dish. You will smell the aroma of the wine as it mingles with the ingredients in the pan and that steam rises to your nose!

If you are wondering about the alcohol content, there isn't any as the alcohol is cooked out by the heat, as a result, a kid-friendly dinner!

best squash risotto recipe-add broth to risotto in the pan

Pour and stir, pour and stir...............................

It is time to get a bit of a work out here. Now that the rice is nice and coated and a bit toasted, time to pour some broth in. We use vegetable broth as this is a vegetable infused risotto. You could use chicken broth it is really up to you. We like it vegetarian! So in goes a good ladle of broth. One thing to remember is to have your broth on the stove top on a low heat to keep warm. If you put in a cold broth it would stop the cooking process.

Remember, stir and stir, but not continuously. Allow the rice to sit still for 5-10 seconds. This will help in achieving that creaminess that risotto is so known for. 

When do you know when to add another ladle of broth? Well, when the broth has dissipated and very little is left in the pan, this is when another ladle of broth goes in. I usually put enough to just rest at the surface of the rice, however not submerging the rice in broth.

best squash risotto recipe-cooking in the pan

More pouring...... more stirring........................

This process of broth and stirring usually goes on for about 18-20 minutes or until you taste the rice and it is creamy and starchy on the surface and has a nice nutty bite on the inside. Another way you know your risotto is ready is by watching as you run your spoon through. You know when you have achieved a great risotto when you move it in the pan and it flows to and fro like a wave caressing the shore. In Italian, we say "Risotto all'onda".

The perfect consistency of risotto is neither dry nor soupy, however, creaminess is key!

 best squash risotto recipe-add butter and Parmigiano to risotto in the pan

Final stage...............

When the rice is cooked but still al dente, in goes a nice knob of butter and a good handful of grated Parmigiano. A quick stir and off the heat and on goes the lid and let it sit for a couple of minutes. It needs to rest for a bit because it allows the starches to evolve and plump up the rice!

best squash risotto recipe- cover and let rest in the pan

This smells so good..................................

I wish you could smell the aroma of this Squash Risotto. The sweetness of the squash, the acidity of the Parmigiano, the richness of the butter and broth, so so yummy it is making me so hungry!

best squash risotto recipe-ladle in the pan  

Plating and garnish......................

A few scoops of risotto onto the plate and I like a sprinkling of paprika to balance the sweetness. Finally, a dusting of Parmigiano Reggiano and this dish is ready to eat!

best squash risotto recipe

Does this not look so comforting and inviting! You can see the creaminess and starchiness of the rice. What about that lovely bit of sunshine in the morsels of Delicata squash. That dusting of Parmigiano is perfect to resemble the textures of Fall and love how that paprika sets so lovely onto the risotto!

The best squash risotto-in the plate

Let's eat!

Oh my, it is so lovely, creamy and rich on my tongue. I love that nice nuttiness and bite of the Carnaroli rice and how it plays so nicely with the plumpness of the squash. The play of sweet, savory, and spice is a delight to my tongue. The Parmigiano adds such a wonderful spike to the mix and that paprika a bit of spicy smokiness. This is so well balanced and poised. I absolutely love this Risotto dish.

There you have it The Best Squash Risotto!

Have lots of fun making it and most of all gather around the table and enjoy it together. There is nothing better than sharing food, wine, and great conversation!

Enjoy!

P.s. Thank you, Graham Sparrow's Nest for all your wonderful organic vegetables. If you're in Edmonton, you can find him at the Old Strathcona Farmers Market.

More risotto recipes for you:

CLASSIC ITALIAN RISOTTO WITH RADICCHIO AND TALEGGIO

MIXED MUSHROOM RISOTTO

GRILLED ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

PEA BARLEY RISOTTO

Song of the day: "Putting on the Ritz" by Taco.

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How To Make The Best Squash Risotto


★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Loreto and Nicoletta
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

How To Make The Best Squash Risotto.  Takes you on a step by step easy to follow illustrated tutorial on a misunderstood traditional Italian dish. After you make this risotto, it will surely become a go-to dinner over and again, because the flavor and texture are amazing and options for deliciousness endless. A perfect recipe for any season, I think!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Carnaroli rice
  • 2 ½ cups delicata squash, peeled, cubed
  • 2 Tbsp e.v.o. oil
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion, minced
  • pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • salt and pepper
  • pinch chili flakes
  • 4 ½ cups warm vegetable broth
  • butter
  • Parmigiano
  • paprika to sprinkle on top

Instructions

  1. Pour vegetable broth into a pot and simmer on very low heat.
  2. Heat up oil and 1 Tbsp of butter and chili flakes in a medium deep saute pan.
  3. Add in onion and saute for 1-2 minutes then toss in squash, sauté for about 5 minutes on medium heat, season with salt and pepper.
  4. Throw in the rice and coat well so all rice is infused with the oil/butter, about 1 minute, then pour in wine and stir and cook till wine dissipates about 2 minutes.
  5. Ladle in broth till it comes to just about the surface of the rice/squash mixture and stir. Keep heat to a medium setting.
  6. Once the broth dissipates add one more ladle and do this for about 18-20 minutes or until broth is all gone.
  7. Turn off heat and add in the last of the butter and a handful of Parmigiano. Stir until all melted and incorporated. Cover and let sit for a couple of minutes.
  8. Spoon into dishes and sprinkle with paprika and freshly grated Parmigiano.
  9. Ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Notes

  1. You can use any squash you like except for spaghetti squash.
  2. Some of the other types of vegetables to use for risotto are mushrooms, radicchio, zucchini, asparagus, peas, pumpkin.
  • Category: Risotto/vegetarian
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Risotto, delicata squash, onions, Italian food, white wine, red chili flakes, paprika, parmigiano reggiano,, butter,

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Tag @sugarlovespices on Instagram and hashtag it #sugarlovespices

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The best squash risotto-pin

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Loreto

LoretoWhen I am not cooking, I enjoy playing musical instruments, singing, writing. I have learned over the years to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment. Dig deeper →

Previous Post: « Salted Butter Spiced Apple Spelt Brioche Rolls
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarMegan Ellam says

    November 07, 2019 at 8:29 pm

    This looks so damn good. I love squash thanks for another great recipe

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • LoretoLoreto says

      November 09, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      You are so welcome Megan, that's what its all about inspiring sharing the beauty of food and passion!
      Cheers!
      loreto

      Reply
  2. AvatarGail says

    November 08, 2019 at 3:11 pm

    This looks so creamy and delicious! Love the addition of squash. I so need to add this to my lineup of Fall dishes!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • LoretoLoreto says

      November 09, 2019 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks Yes the squash is a great ingredient for risotto the texture and flavor pairs very well with the carnaroli rice and that creamy starch!
      Have a wonderful weekend!
      Loreto

      Reply
  3. AvatarAnne Lawton says

    November 09, 2019 at 9:32 am

    mmmm! I love a bowl of creamy risotto I can't wait to make this next week

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • LoretoLoreto says

      November 09, 2019 at 10:34 pm

      Thank you Anne. So glad you are going to try this Risotto. It has been a real success story. Many have tried it when we cooked it at the home show and people are really surprised at the amazing flavors and texture. Let us know how you make out. We love hearing from you!
      Happy Risotto making!

      Reply
  4. AvatarJamie says

    November 10, 2019 at 2:38 am

    We made this for dinner last night and it came out so creamy and delicious! The perfect dinner for a fall evening.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • LoretoLoreto says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:17 am

      Hi Jamie, we are so pleased that you tried the risotto and enjoyed it so much. It is a wonderful recipe and that creaminess that you can achieve with the carnaroli rice is amazing!
      Well done and thank you for sharing!
      Cheers!
      loreto

      Reply
  5. AvatarJacqui Debono says

    November 10, 2019 at 11:28 am

    I love risotto and I have lots of squash from the garden! This recipe is calling me, with a nice chilled glass of white wine!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • LoretoLoreto says

      November 11, 2019 at 6:33 am

      Now you have the idea. White wine pairs so well with this risotto! Thank you!

      Reply
  6. AvatarJess says

    November 10, 2019 at 7:16 pm

    Oh my goodness! Yum! Risotto is one of my all time favorite dishes and now you've upped the ante with the addition of fall flavors!

    Reply
    • Loreto NardelliLoreto Nardelli says

      November 13, 2019 at 11:14 am

      Thank you Jess. This is one of our favorite risottos and there are so many squash this tyear. What a delectable way to use up some of them!
      Cheers!

      Reply
  7. AvatarSHANIKA says

    November 11, 2019 at 12:35 am

    I have not made Risotto yet, but it's definitely on my list of things! I love using Butternut Squash and this recipe look so easy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • LoretoLoreto says

      November 11, 2019 at 6:27 am

      Yes this recipe is really easy we did it with the butternut squash too and it was so good. The only squash I wouldn't use is the Kabotcha too starchy and dry. I hope you get to try this soon. I think you are going to love it!
      Happy cooking!

      Reply
  8. AvatarNatalie says

    November 11, 2019 at 5:57 am

    I absolutely love making risotto for my family. They love it too. I never made squash risotto thou. Now I can't wait. This recipe is so easy and sounds so delicious. Love the flavors too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • LoretoLoreto says

      November 11, 2019 at 6:24 am

      Thank you Natalie My grand daughter has been asking for this risotto ever since I brought her some. Have to make it again! You said it right so simple ans lots of flavor!
      Cheers!
      Loreto

      Reply

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teamsugarlovespicesHi! We are Loreto and Nicoletta, the foodie duo behind Sugar Love Spices. We love creating in the kitchen using seasonal good quality ingredients that we believe are key to the success of every meal. Come with us as we share traditional Italian recipes and so much more. Having fun in the kitchen is very important to us, and want to share that light heartedness with you. Nicoletta will help you with the sweet things, and I Loreto like to spice things up. Dig deeper →

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