This Fall Vegetable Risotto is a hearty and elegant dish that captures the essence of the season. Creamy Arborio rice is slowly simmered with low-salt chicken broth to achieve a perfect, luxurious texture. Sweet cubes of roasted butternut squash provide bursts of natural sweetness, while earthy herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary add depth and aroma. A bright touch of orange zest and juice cuts through the richness, keeping the flavors balanced and fresh. Topped with toasted pecans for crunch and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for savory umami, this dish is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or festive autumn gatherings. It’s a satisfying, home-style meal that feels both comforting and special.
Fall Vegetable Risotto
Description
This Fall Vegetable Risotto is a hearty and elegant dish that captures the essence of the season. Creamy Arborio rice is slowly simmered with low-salt chicken broth to achieve a perfect, luxurious texture. Sweet cubes of roasted butternut squash provide bursts of natural sweetness, while earthy herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary add depth and aroma. A bright touch of orange zest and juice cuts through the richness, keeping the flavors balanced and fresh. Topped with toasted pecans for crunch and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for savory umami, this dish is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or festive autumn gatherings. ItâÂÂs a satisfying, home-style meal that feels both comforting and special.Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1/2-inch pieces.
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Toss squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
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Meanwhile, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer in a saucepan. Keep it warm over low heat.
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In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the diced leeks and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
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Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the Arborio rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the edges become translucent.
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Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is mostly absorbed before adding the next.
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Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
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Fold in the roasted butternut squash, orange zest, and orange juice.
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Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley, toasted pecans, and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 987kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40.6g63%
- Saturated Fat 9.3g47%
- Cholesterol 272mg91%
- Sodium 237mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 93g31%
- Dietary Fiber 14.9g60%
- Sugars 14.1g
- Protein 64.2g129%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.