![To make Savory Butternut Squash Risotto, you need: - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced - 1 cup Arborio rice - 4 cups vegetable broth (keep warm) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess) - Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish You can swap some items if needed. Use acorn squash instead of butternut squash for a different taste. Arborio rice is key for creaminess, but you can use Carnaroli rice if you have it. For a dairy-free meal, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a milder flavor. If you want to skip the heavy cream, use coconut cream for a unique twist. When picking your butternut squash, look for one that feels heavy and has a smooth, firm skin. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. For your onion, choose one with a dry, papery skin. It should feel solid and heavy. Fresh garlic should be firm and plump. Always check the broth; low-sodium options can help control salt levels in your dish. When possible, use fresh sage; it adds a lovely aroma and taste. For the best flavor, choose ingredients that are in season. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced - 1 cup Arborio rice - 4 cups vegetable broth (keep warm) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional) - Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced butternut squash. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it softens. Remove the squash from the pot and set it aside. Next, add the chopped onion to the same pot. Cook until it turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it smells great. Now it's time to add the Arborio rice. Stir the rice for about 2 minutes. This helps it toast slightly. Gradually pour in the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time. Stir continuously as you add. Let the rice absorb most of the broth before adding more. This stirring and adding should take around 18-20 minutes. The rice will become creamy and al dente. Once the rice is cooked, mix in the sautéed butternut squash, chopped sage, and grated Parmesan cheese. If you like your risotto creamier, add the heavy cream now. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from heat and let the risotto rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. When serving, use shallow bowls. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of fresh sage. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. For a full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided above. Enjoy your creamy butternut squash risotto! To make risotto creamy, use Arborio rice. It has the right starch. Start by sautéing the butternut squash. Cook it until it's just tender, then set it aside. In the same pot, cook onion until it’s soft. Stir in garlic next, and let it smell good. Add the Arborio rice and toast it for a couple of minutes. This helps build flavor. When adding broth, do it slowly. Use one ladle at a time and stir well. This method helps release starch and makes it creamy. One mistake is adding all the broth at once. This makes the rice cook unevenly. Another mistake is not stirring enough. Stirring helps the rice absorb the broth and get creamy. Also, avoid using cold broth. Always keep it warm. This helps the rice cook well and keeps the temperature steady. Finally, don't skip on seasoning. Salt and pepper make a big difference in taste. To boost flavor, use fresh sage. It pairs well with butternut squash. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for richness. If you want extra creaminess, stir in some heavy cream at the end. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds a nice crunch. You can find the full recipe above for more details on preparation and serving. {{image_2}} You can easily make this risotto vegan. Just skip the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead. It gives a cheesy flavor without any dairy. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it light. If you want creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk. This will add richness and a hint of sweetness. To make this dish heartier, add protein. Cooked chicken or shrimp pairs well. You can use leftover roasted chicken or sauté shrimp in olive oil. Add them near the end of cooking. This helps keep them tender. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. It soaks up the flavors nicely. This risotto is flexible. You can swap butternut squash for other veggies. Try mushrooms for a rich, earthy taste. Spinach or kale adds color and nutrition. Just remember to sauté them before mixing with the rice. You can also add peas for a pop of sweetness. Each season brings new flavors. Get creative and use what's fresh. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After making Savory Butternut Squash Risotto, let it cool down. Place the risotto in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. To reheat the risotto, add a splash of vegetable broth. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For freezing, put the risotto in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. The flavor may change a bit, but it will still taste good. If you want the full creamy experience, add more cheese or cream when reheating. Enjoy the risotto anytime! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Making Savory Butternut Squash Risotto takes about 35 minutes. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You will enjoy a creamy, warm dish in no time. Yes, you can use other rice types, but Arborio rice works best. It gives risotto its creamy texture. Other short-grain rice like Carnaroli may also work well. You can serve butternut squash risotto with a simple salad. A light green salad adds freshness. Grilled vegetables or crusty bread also pair nicely. You could even enjoy it with roasted chicken or fish for protein. Yes, simply swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. You can also use plant-based cream, like coconut or almond cream. This way, you keep the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. You can reheat risotto on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to help it regain creaminess. Stir well and heat until warm throughout. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work well in this risotto. You can also try adding a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh taste. Experiment with your favorite herbs to find what you love most. Absolutely! Savory Butternut Squash Risotto is great for meal prep. Just store in portions and reheat as needed. It saves time during busy weeks and offers a tasty meal. You can find the Full Recipe for Savory Butternut Squash Risotto in the earlier sections of this article. Enjoy making this delicious meal! This article covered how to make Savory Butternut Squash Risotto. We looked at fresh ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for the best results. I shared common mistakes to avoid and ways to make tasty variations. Remember, risotto takes time and care but is worth it. With practice, you can master this dish and impress your friends. Use the storage tips to enjoy leftovers too. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://goodsouppot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6261dbb7-8c50-420c-bfe1-5f62f9f399a1-250x250.webp)
Savory Butternut Squash Risotto
Savor the flavors of autumn with this delicious Savory Butternut Squash Risotto! This creamy dish combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the richness of Arborio rice and a hint of sage for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe is easy to follow and offers a delightful experience. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this seasonal favorite!