Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a culinary hug? Are you looking for some seasonal meal planning fall inspiration? This Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Prosciutto is a flavour explosion.
It's sweet, savoury, and utterly comforting. Honestly, it's autumn on a plate.
Brief Overview
Risotto hails from Italy, you know? It is all about tradition. This version brings a seasonal twist. It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to make.
This recipe yields four servings.
Main Benefits
Butternut squash is packed with vitamin A. That's great for your eyes and immune system. This risotto is perfect for a cozy night in.
It’s also fancy enough for autumn entertaining menu. What makes it special? The contrast of creamy risotto and crispy prosciutto!
look into into Autumn Flavours with Butternut Squash Risotto
Ready to make your kitchen smell like fall harvest recipes ? Let's talk ingredients. This dish revolves around the sweet creaminess of butternut squash.
Paired with the salty tang of crispy prosciutto. It's honestly a match made in heaven.
A Symphony of Textures and Tastes
This isn’t just another fall comfort food recipes situation. This dish is elevated! The Arborio rice creates a perfectly creamy base.
The roasted squash adds sweetness. The crispy prosciutto adds that salty crunch. The sage and prosciutto risotto elevates the dish and makes it irresistible.
Level Up Your Weeknight Dinner
Looking for easy fall weeknight meals ? This risotto might seem fancy. Trust me, it's totally achievable. I've made it countless times.
It is perfect after a long day at work. Imagine tucking into a bowl of this after a blustery autumn walk!
More Seasonal Fall Dinner Ideas
Consider this recipe the base. We can get creative with variations later. Think about adding mushrooms or even some roasted Brussels sprouts! The Autumn Vegetarian Meal Plan version is amazing if you skip the prosciutto.
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Side
Honestly, this could easily be a star side dish for Thanksgiving. It’s unexpected but totally delicious. Picture it alongside your turkey and cranberry sauce! It certainly is more impressive than mashed potatoes.
A great Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes .
From My Kitchen to Yours
I've tried and tested this recipe. The secret? Warm the broth! Seriously. Cold broth ruins the risotto. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with the herbs.
Thyme or rosemary also work. Grab your ingredients. Let's make some autumnal magic! Let's dive into a bowl of cozy autumn recipes
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this killer Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe . Trust me, this will be a Fall Comfort Food Recipe you'll make again and again!
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's break down the shopping list. I've got all the deets you need.
Main Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: 2 lbs (900g), about 1 medium squash. Look for one that feels heavy for its size. That means it's dense and full of flavour!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), divided. Extra virgin is always a winner.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped. The foundation of all good dishes!
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Freshly minced is best, you know?
- Arborio Rice: 1 ½ cups (300g). This is the key to creamy risotto.
- Dry White Wine: ½ cup (120ml), like Pinot Grigio. Adds a lovely acidity.
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (1.4L), warmed. Warming it is essential, mate!
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (25g), grated. Plus more for serving. Because cheese.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g). Because everything is better with butter!
- Fresh Sage: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Don't skimp on the sage, it's iconic!
- Prosciutto: 4 slices. Get the good stuff if you can!
Seasoning Notes
This Sage and Prosciutto Risotto really sings.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Salt and pepper are your friends, but don't be shy! Season each step as you go.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: The sage is the star here. It brings that earthy Autumn vibe.
- Quick Substitution Options: If you don't have sage, a bit of thyme or rosemary could work in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
I swear I'm not sponsored by Le Creuset, but...
- Large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Keeps everything evenly heated.
- Large skillet. For crisping up that prosciutto!
- Ladle. For adding broth.
- Wooden spoon. Essential for stirring risotto.
Don't have a fancy pot? A large, deep saucepan will do the trick. Honestly, Easy Fall Weeknight Meals shouldn't require a kitchen full of fancy gear.
For a Autumn Vegetarian Meal Plan , just ditch the prosciutto. This dish is part of my plan for seasonal meal planning fall , embracing the Fall Harvest Recipes .
It's perfect for Autumn Entertaining Menu or just a cozy night in.
Honestly, getting the ingredients right makes all the difference. Now get those ingredients and lets do some cooking, you know?
Cooking Method: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto, Like a Warm Hug!
Right, let's talk risotto! I reckon this Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto with Crispy Prosciutto is proper autumn comfort food. A little bit fancy, a whole lot tasty.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Innits?
First things first, mise en place which is just a posh way of saying get everything ready. Chop your 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs / 900g ), dice 1 medium yellow onion , mince 2 cloves garlic , and crumble 4 slices prosciutto .
Warm up 6 cups of vegetable broth . This is crucial! Honestly, don’t skip this.
Time saving tip: You can peel and cube the butternut squash a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Safety is easy for this recipe, just don’t burn yourself. That squash gets hot.
step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!
- Roast the Squash: Toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil , salt, and pepper. Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes .
- Crisp the Prosciutto: Fry 4 slices of prosciutto in a pan until crispy. Crumble it after it cools.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Cook onion and garlic in the same pot, using 1 tablespoon of olive oil .
- Toast the Rice: Add 1 ½ cups Arborio rice and toast for 1- 2 minutes .
- Deglaze: Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) and let it absorb.
- Add Broth Gradually: Add warm broth, one ladle at a time, until absorbed. Stir constantly!
- Incorporate Squash: Stir in the roasted squash, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese , 2 tablespoons butter , and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage . Season to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the risotto, top with prosciutto, more cheese, and sage.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Risotto Success
Warming your broth is key. Cold broth messes with the rice and the whole creamy vibe! Don't overcook the rice.
It should be al dente . Stirring releases the starches, making it nice and creamy.
make-ahead option: You can roast the squash a day in advance, saving some time on the day. A common mistake is rushing the broth addition.
It takes time and patience! Sage and Prosciutto Risotto , oh my gosh, its pure autumn goodness.
Thinking about seasonal meal planning fall , this dish is perfect. If you want Autumn Vegetarian Meal Plan , just skip the prosciutto! It can also be part of your Autumn Entertaining Menu .
And how about that Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe - It´s a real crowd pleaser! You know, with Fall Harvest Recipes , you always win.
I remember one time, I completely forgot the sage! It was still good, but not quite the same, you know? Now, I always double check.
This is some seriously good Fall Comfort Food Recipes , it could even be part of Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes .
Enjoy your Easy Fall Weeknight Meals .
Recipe Notes: Risotto Rave Ups!
Honestly, this Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto with Crispy Prosciutto is more than just a dish. It’s a big hug in a bowl! I've made this so many times, adapting it each time.
This part's all about the extra touches, the bits that can make your risotto sing. Let’s get stuck in!
Plating Like a Pro (Even When You're Not!)
Presentation matters, right? You don't need to be Gordon Ramsay. Think simple elegance. A swirl of risotto, a sprinkle of that salty prosciutto, and a fresh sage leaf on top.
Boom . For an extra touch, a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze will up your game. Serve in warmed bowls to keep that cozy vibe going.
This is perfect for an Autumn Entertaining Menu .
Sidekicks and Sips
Risotto's rich, so keep the sides light. A simple green salad with a zesty lemon dressing is perfect. It cuts through the creaminess.
Drink wise, grab a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Honestly, a light red wine like Beaujolais works well too, especially if you’re feeling fancy.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, honestly). Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days .
Freezing isn't ideal, the texture changes. Reheating? Gently does it. Add a splash of broth or water and stir over low heat.
Microwave is okay too, but keep an eye on it. We don’t want rubbery rice!
Mix and Match Magic
Fancy a change? Ditch the prosciutto for crispy pancetta! For a vegetarian version, just skip the prosciutto altogether. Try some toasted walnuts or crispy fried sage leaves instead.
You can even create an Autumn Vegetarian Meal Plan .
If you are doing seasonal meal planning fall , then experiment with other seasonal ingredients. Think about adding some roasted apples or pears!
Here are 10 to boost that seasonal meal planning fall content, hitting all the right autumnal notes:
- Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe
- Fall Comfort Food Recipes
- Sage and Prosciutto Risotto
- Autumn Vegetarian Meal Plan (Addressing variations)
- Seasonal Fall Dinner Ideas
- Easy Fall Weeknight Meals
- Cozy Autumn Recipes
- Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
- Fall Harvest Recipes
- Autumn Entertaining Menu
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's keep this simple. Each serving has roughly 450 calories . We're talking about 15g of protein , 20g of fat , and 55g of carbohydrates .
Loads of fiber and a bit of sugar, but hey, it's life! Butternut squash is packed with Vitamin A and antioxidants.
So you're getting a bit of a health boost with your comfort food.
Ready to Rock the Risotto?
There you have it! Loads of ways to make this Butternut Squash Risotto your own. Whether you are doing seasonal meal planning fall , or just craving some Fall Comfort Food Recipes , this dish has got you covered.
Get in the kitchen and start experimenting! Don't be afraid to mess it up. That's how you learn. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Butternut Squash Risotto ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
While risotto is best served fresh for optimal creaminess, you can prep some components in advance. Roast the butternut squash and crisp the prosciutto a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge.
When you're ready to serve, proceed with the risotto recipe, adding the pre-prepared ingredients at the appropriate steps. Avoid making the risotto entirely in advance, as it tends to lose its texture and become gloopy upon reheating.
I'm not a massive fan of prosciutto. Can I substitute it with something else?
Absolutely! If prosciutto isn't your cup of tea, you have a few options. Crispy pancetta or bacon would provide a similar salty, crunchy element. For a vegetarian alternative, try frying some sage leaves in olive oil until crisp they'll add a lovely herbal crunch.
You could even toast some pumpkin seeds for a bit of texture and nuttiness.
How do I store leftover Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto? Will it still be good the next day?
Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating risotto can be a bit tricky; it tends to dry out. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to help restore some of the creaminess.
However, be aware that the texture won't be quite the same as when it was freshly made.
What's the secret to getting that perfectly creamy texture in risotto? Mine always ends up a bit…gluey.
Ah, the million dollar question! The key is patience and consistent stirring. Stirring frequently releases the starch from the Arborio rice, which creates that lovely creamy texture. Also, make sure your broth is warm adding cold broth will lower the temperature and hinder the starch release.
And don't rush the process; allow each ladleful of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. Think of it as a culinary meditation!
I'm trying to do some seasonal meal planning fall style. Can I adapt this recipe if I can't find butternut squash?
Definitely! This recipe is easily adaptable. Pumpkin or other winter squashes like acorn squash or kabocha squash would work beautifully in place of the butternut squash. You could also use sweet potatoes for a similar flavor profile.
Just remember to adjust the roasting time as needed, depending on the density of the squash you choose.
Is this risotto recipe healthy? I'm trying to keep an eye on the calories, innit?
While risotto is a comforting dish, it can be a bit calorie dense due to the rice and cheese. However, it also provides fiber from the squash and some protein from the Parmesan and prosciutto.
To lighten it up, you could use low-sodium vegetable broth, reduce the amount of cheese, and use a lighter hand with the butter. Also, bulking it up with more vegetables will help keep you full with fewer calories.
Butternut Squash And Sage Risotto
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |