Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan). Rinse the pumpkin thoroughly under running water. Using a sharp, large knife, cut it in half, and then cut each half into smaller pieces resembling boats. Use a metal spoon to remove the seeds and fibrous flesh from the center of each piece. You can keep the seeds, clean, dry, and roast them later.
Description
This dish is the essence of autumn captured on a plate. Creamy risotto with pumpkin, sage, and parmesan is a classic of Italian cuisine in a seasonal version. Its velvety, rich texture comes from the starch released by Arborio rice grains during slow cooking and from the addition of butter and parmesan. The sweetness of roasted pumpkin perfectly complements the earthy, slightly peppery aroma of fresh sage, creating an incredibly balanced flavor composition. The dish has a beautiful, intensely orange color that pleases the eye and promises a feast for the palate. Risotto is a dish that requires patience and attention, but the final result rewards every minute spent at the pot. It is perfect as an elegant main course for a dinner for two, a family lunch, or a gathering with friends. Serve it hot, sprinkled with an extra portion of parmesan and crunchy pumpkin seeds.
Składniki (14)
- Arborio rice 300 g
- Hokkaido pumpkin 500 g
- Onion 1 szt.
- Garlic 2 ząbki
- Vegetable broth 1200 ml
- Dry white wine 100 ml
- Parmesan cheese 80 g
- Butter 50 g
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.2 łyżek
- Fresh sage 0.3 pęczków
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.2 szczypt
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Pumpkin seeds 20 g
- Nutmeg 2 szczypty
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Preparing the pumpkin
Arrange the pumpkin pieces on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin side down. Drizzle with half of the olive oil (about 15g), and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The pumpkin is ready when the flesh is very soft (you can easily check this by piercing it with a fork) and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Remove the baked pumpkin from the oven and let it cool slightly, just enough to be able to touch it safely. Separate the flesh (along with the skin) from any tougher parts and transfer it to a blender jar or a tall container. Blend until smooth and creamy. If it is very thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth. Set aside.
Cooking Risotto
In a medium pot, heat the vegetable broth and keep it on low heat throughout the risotto cooking process. The broth should be hot but not boiling. In a second, large and wide pot or deep skillet with a thick bottom, heat the remaining olive oil (15g).
Peel the onion and chop it into very small cubes (about 3-4 mm). Peel the garlic and finely chop it. Add the chopped onion to a pot with heated olive oil and sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until it becomes translucent and soft. Do not let it brown. Then add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute until it releases its aroma.
Add Arborio rice to the pot with onion and garlic. Increase the heat and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains are coated in fat and become slightly translucent at the edges, while the center remains white (pearly). This process is called 'tostatura' and helps maintain the shape of the grains during cooking.
Pour the white wine into the pot. Stir vigorously, scraping any stuck bits from the bottom. Cook over high heat for 1-2 minutes, until the alcohol completely evaporates and the smell of the wine becomes mild. The rice will absorb all the liquid.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Using a ladle, pour the first portion of hot broth (about 150-200 ml) over the rice, just enough to cover it. Stir slowly and almost continuously until the rice absorbs all the liquid. Then add another ladle of broth and repeat the process. Cook this way for about 15-18 minutes. Stirring is key, as it releases the starch from the rice, creating a creamy sauce.
After about 15 minutes, taste a grain of rice. It should be almost soft but still slightly firm in the center (al dente). At this point, add the prepared pumpkin purée and chopped fresh sage leaves. Mix thoroughly until the risotto takes on a uniform orange color. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, adding the last ladle of broth if the risotto is too thick.
Finishing and serving
Remove the pot from the heat. This is the most important moment - 'mantecatura'. Add cold butter cut into cubes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously for about a minute, until the butter and cheese completely melt and combine with the rice, creating an incredibly creamy and glossy emulsion. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the risotto rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately, plating it in deep dishes. Garnish each portion with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a few leaves of fresh sage, and, if using, toasted pumpkin seeds. You can also drizzle a little good quality olive oil on top.
Fun Fact
The word 'risotto' comes from the Italian word 'riso', meaning rice. Legend has it that this dish was created by accident in the 16th century in Milan, when a young artist working on the stained glass of the Duomo cathedral, who was using saffron to color the glass, jokingly added it to the rice at his master's wedding. The effect delighted the guests, and thus the famous Risotto alla Milanese was born.
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Tips
Serve the risotto on slightly warmed, deep plates, which will help maintain its temperature and creamy consistency. It pairs perfectly with a glass of the same white wine used for cooking. For added crunch, in addition to pumpkin seeds, you can sprinkle it with crushed walnuts or parmesan chips.
Risotto is best enjoyed right after preparation. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Unfortunately, when reheated, it loses its perfect creamy consistency. To reheat, transfer it to a skillet, add a little broth or water, and warm it over low heat, stirring constantly until hot. You can also make delicious arancini (fried rice balls) from leftover risotto.
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