Risotto has quickly become one of my go-to dishes. I usually have all the basics on hand -- arborio rice, chicken stock, wine, cream and onions -- and by simply adding one or two other ingredients, you can completely change the flavour.
This week, I made it with a butternut squash I had on hand. I questioned the recipe that told me to puree the squash, but once I mixed it with the risotto, it was creamy and delicious and satisfying like a cheesy macaroni. This was perfect for a cold winter night and was so easy that I made it for myself one night when T. was out at a hockey game. All you need in 30 minutes and you're on your way to a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 4 cups hot chicken stock
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add squash for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain and mash with a fork.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until onion begins to soften. Stir in rice and let toast -- about three minutes.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly until evaporated. Stir in the squash and 1/2 a cup of the hot stock. Stir until stock has been absorbed by the rice. Slowly add the stock 1/2 a cup at a time, only adding more once the previous amount has evaporated.
- Continue stirring until the risotto is creamy. Add cream and parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Recipe from allrecipes.com
