This delicious Butternut Squash Risotto recipe and photo were shared with me by Karen Calanchini, Food
Stylist and Photographer, of Redding, CA.
Learn How To Make Risotto Ahead of Time - With this technique, that is used by restaurant chefs, you never have to stand at the stove,
stirring, for 20 minutes while your guests wonder where you have gone. You can make any kind of risotto you want using this method.
More delicious
Pasta, Rice, and Main Dish Recipes.
Butternut Squash Risotto with Chives
Recipe Type:
Risotto,
Rice,
Arborio Rice,
Squash,
Wine,
Cheese
Yields: 4 to 6 main course servings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Ingredients:
Before making risotto, please read
Making Perfect Risotto. Lots of hints and tips to help you.
6 to 8 cups chicken broth
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons
1 small
onion
, finely chopped
2 cups butternut
squash, peeled, and finely diced into bite-size pieces*
2 cups
arborio rice**
1 cup dry white
wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc), I used a dry Vermouth
1 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped chives or garlic chives
Salt
* When Butternut squash is in season, I buy one (1) large squash and peel and chop into bite sized chunks. Lay in single layer on sheet pan and freeze.
When frozen, put into an air tight container or use a vacuum sealer such as the Food Saver. Put back into your freezer. Now your chunks are ready for risotto, soups,
or any recipe which calls for them and your work is done and you can remove only what you need.
** Can substitute medium-grained white rice, but arborio rice is preferred for risotto.
Preparation:
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high, heat chicken broth and keep warm over low heat.
In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter;
add onion and diced butternut squash pieces. Cook until onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Add arborio rice and cook 1 to 2 minutes, making sure all the grains are well coated (toasting the rice in melted butter
keeps it from getting mushy).
Add wine and cook, stirring constantly until wine has been completely absorbed by the rice or evaporated. Add a few ladles of hot chicken broth, just enough to
barely cover rice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until broth has been absorbed. Continue cooking, adding a little bit of hot chicken broth (1/2
cup at a time), stirring frequently, until the chicken broth is absorbed and until the rice is tender (but still firm to the bite), about 15 to 20 minutes.
Risotto doesn't need constant attention during its cooking time. You'll just need to check on the pan every few minutes,
give the rice a stir to keep it from sticking, and add more stock.
During the last minutes of cooking, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, and chives. At
this point the rice should have a creamy consistency (it should be tender, but firm to the bite. Add salt to taste. Remove from heat.
NOTE: To test the risotto for proper consistency, spoon a little into a bowl and shake it lightly from side to side.
The risotto should spread out very gently of its own accord. If the rice just stands still, it's too dry, so add a little more stock.
If a puddle of liquid forms around the rice, you've added too much stock. Spoon some liquid off, or just let the risotto sit for a few more seconds
off the heat to absorb the excess stock.
Serve with remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
