This post is also available in: Italiano
In Italian cuisine you often find pumpkin combined with sage and rosemary. During a holiday some years ago, I tasted some pumpkin gnocchi served with butter and basil. I really enjoyed the pairing, and as usual, when I returned home I began to experiment.
The risotto that I propose is very simple, and thanks to the addition of butter and cheese, it may be the main course of dinner. The final touch of basil enhances the flavor.
PUMPKIN RISOTTO WITH BASIL
Preparation: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes
(Serves 4)1 pound cleaned pumpkin (you can use a sugar pumpkin or other small flavorful winter squash)
1 cup of Carnaroli or Arborio rice
1 shallot
1 small bunch basil
2 teaspoons of organic granulated vegetable broth (such as Rapunzel Pure Organic Vegetable Soup Broth) or 1 bouillon cube
4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons of butter
1 ½ quarts of water
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Cut the pumpkin into small pieces and slice the onion into thin slices. Bring a pot of water to a boil. In a pan, add the olive oil and the onion and saute until the onion becomes transparent then add the pumpkin and a ladle of water. After ten minutes the pumpkin should be soft.
- Pour in the rice and cook for one minute then add the bouillon granules. Proceed to cook the risotto, stirring frequently and adding water only when the water is well absorbed. After 20 minutes the rice is cooked. Turn off the heat and add the parmesan, butter, and chopped basil. Allow to thicken 1 minute.
Serve immediately.
