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To make a delicious butternut squash sage risotto, you will need: - 1 cup Arborio rice - 2 cups butternut squash, diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 small 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 tablespoon butter (or plant-based butter for a vegan option) - Optional: pumpkin seeds for garnish When choosing butternut squash, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes. A rich, orange color indicates ripeness. If it feels soft or has dark spots, it might not taste great. If you want a vegan version, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter. To make the dish gluten-free, ensure your broth is labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy risotto! First, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Heat it over medium heat until it simmers. This keeps the broth warm for the risotto. Keeping it hot helps the rice cook evenly and absorb flavor. Next, take a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Toss in 1 small chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 cups of diced butternut squash. Cook these for about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. The squash should start to soften and smell great. Now, it's time for the rice. Add 1 cup of Arborio rice to the skillet. Stir it well, coating the rice with oil. Toast it for about 2 minutes until it looks slightly clear. Start adding the warm vegetable broth. Use one ladle at a time while stirring. Wait until most of the broth is absorbed before adding more. This process will take about 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring the rice as you go. It helps create that creamy texture we love. When the rice is creamy and just firm, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you want a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or plant-based butter for richness. Mix until everything is melted and smooth. Taste the risotto and season with salt and pepper. You can also add more sage if you like. Serve it warm, and consider adding pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch. To get that creamy texture, use Arborio rice. This rice has more starch, which helps create creaminess. Stir often as you cook. This helps release the starch and makes the risotto smooth. Always add warm broth slowly. This gives the rice time to absorb the liquid. Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks. Stir frequently and check for doneness. The rice should be al dente, meaning it should have a little bite. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy. Remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired texture. You can add more flavor with herbs and spices. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a different taste. A sprinkle of nutmeg can add warmth, too. For a kick, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste as you go, and adjust the flavors to your liking. {{image_2}} You can switch butternut squash for other veggies. Seasonal options include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or peas. Each brings its own taste and texture. For instance, pumpkin adds sweetness while peas add a fresh crunch. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetable you choose. To make risotto heartier, add a protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu works great. If using chicken or shrimp, add them in the last five minutes of cooking. For plant-based options, use chickpeas or lentils. This boosts flavor and makes the dish more filling. If you're looking for vegan options, swap out cheese and butter. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. Replace butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. The creamy texture will still shine through. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish! To keep your butternut squash sage risotto fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. If you have a lot left, portion it out. This makes for easy meals later. When you’re ready to eat the risotto, add a splash of broth or water. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Heat it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your risotto, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of broth to restore creaminess. It takes about 35 minutes to cook butternut squash risotto. You first heat the broth, then sauté the veggies, and finally add the rice. Stirring is key during this time. The rice absorbs the broth slowly, creating a creamy texture. You can make risotto ahead of time, but it may not be as creamy when reheated. If you choose to do this, undercook the rice slightly. This way, it will not turn mushy when you reheat it. The best rice for risotto is Arborio rice. It has a high starch content, which helps create that creamy texture we all love. Other good options include Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, but Arborio is the most common. Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. This will add extra flavor to your risotto. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. You might need less salt if the broth is salty. Butternut squash risotto is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. We covered key ingredients and tips for selecting fresh squash. I shared how to prepare the broth, sauté veggies, and achieve that creamy texture. You can also switch up the recipe with different veggies or proteins to fit your diet. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple, making it convenient for busy days. With these steps, you can enjoy a delicious risotto anytime. Embrace creativity and make this dish your own!

Butternut Squash Sage Risotto

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Butternut Squash Sage Risotto with this easy and delicious recipe! Featuring creamy Arborio rice, tender butternut squash, and fragrant sage, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings. With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll create a warm meal that impresses. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup Arborio rice

2 cups butternut squash, diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 small 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 tablespoon butter (or plant-based butter for a vegan option)

Optional: pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat until it is simmering. Keep it warm on low heat as you prepare the risotto.

    In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

      Add the minced garlic and diced butternut squash to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to soften.

        Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it with the oil, and toast for about 2 minutes until slightly translucent.

          Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding the next ladle. This process will take about 20-25 minutes.

            As you stir, add the chopped sage and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue adding broth until the rice is creamy and al dente.

              Once the rice has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the butter until melted and well combined.

                For added flavor, adjust seasoning and add more sage if desired.

                  Serve the risotto warm, garnished with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds and extra sage if you wish.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4