There are few things that scream “COMFORT FOOD” as much as a creamy, dreamy pumpkin risotto but I just couldn’t resist making it a few days ago. Even though we were having a really warm day, the repetitive motion of adding hot stock to a barely simmering pot of arborio rice was just too tempting. Not to mention sitting down to a hug-in-a-bowl. Which is exactly what this pumpkin risotto is. I flavoured the stock with fresh thyme and rosemary and added a bay leaf and this resulted in the stock taking on a seriously savoury flavour. Don’t you just love herbs? To add a little textural interest, I decided to add a few cubes of fried haloumi because first of all cheese makes everything better. But also because I love that they added a milky squeakiness (admittedly not the most charming of descriptions) to the finished risotto. To emphasize the natural sweetness of the roasted pumpkin, I made a syrup which was flavoured with red chilli and a splash of lemon juice. I finished the risotto off with a generous grating of aged Parmesan (because again: Cheese) and that was it. Sure, risotto takes a little effort but in essence it is so simple and so absolutely worth the 20-odd minutes you have to stand stirring the pot. Plus, for me that stirring is 20 minutes out of my day that I can just zone out and focus on nothing. Except creating this insanely delicious risotto.
How do I make pumpkin risotto?
Pumpkin risotto is made by cooking onions and garlic until soft then adding Arborio or Carnaroli rice, wine, pumpkin puree and stock. It’s important to incorporate the stock slowly so that the rice has chance to release its creamy starches. This is what gives risotto its characteristic soft and creamy texture. The risotto can be finished with grated Parmesan and cubes of roasted pumpkin or any other toppings you fancy.
What rice to use in risotto?
Arborio or Carnaroli rice is traditionally used. Short-grain rice is best for risotto as it releases starch as it cooks, resulting in a luscious silky, creamy texture.
Risotto recipes
Black truffle and mushroom risotto Roasted Cauliflower risotto Lemon risotto with pan-roasted chicken Date night pork fillet with mushroom risotto
Date night pork fillet with mushroom risotto
Mushroom arancini with mozzarella and roasted tomato sauce
