Pumpkin Risotto with Walnuts

Delicious risotto made with fresh pumpkin and walnuts.

During cold months, there is nothing quite as comforting as a warm and hearty meal that’s 100% plant-based. One of the most decadent and savory meal choices to keep you warm on frosty winter nights is pumpkin risotto. This delicious dish is a spin on a traditional Italian recipe that is not so filling that you feel the urge to unbutton your pants but will still leave you satisfied. 

Risotto is a classic slow-cooked rice dish made with arborio rice known for its ability to release starch into the liquid, essentially creating its own sauce. Pumpkin risotto has become a sensation all over the world in upscale restaurants. It is both creamy and incredibly satisfying to the palate with a touch of sweetness. Like all Italian classics, pumpkin risotto is best when served at home.

When cooked correctly, the rice will absorb liquid slowly along with the pumpkin flavor to release the natural starches that make a beautiful dish come alive. 

Brief History of Pumpkin Risotto

Though many associate Italy as a country focused on pasta, risotto is a dish right up there in the ranks alongside lasagna and bolognese. The use of risotto in Italian dishes comes from the Southern areas of Italy as they are more known for rice production.  

Over the years, risotto has become a well-known dish in Italy and is popular in every region. One wonderful thing about risotto is the amount of creative freedom it leaves for the chef to take liberties. That is how pumpkin risotto emerged. 

Pumpkin risotto incorporates the infusion of roasted pumpkin for a sweet and savory kick. Many choose to top with nutritional yeast flakes for a richer flavor and an overall warming meal that you will not be able to resist sinking your spoon into. 

Ingredients

water, arborio rice, pumpkin, onion, shiitake mushroom, vegetable stock (water, onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, leeks, canola oil, salt, bay leaf),walnuts, nutritional yeast, white wine, salt, cumin

Net weight: 300g