Cozy up this fall with our pumpkin risotto recipe! A rich Italian dish made with fresh pumpkin and Parmesan, perfect for a flavorful autumn meal!
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There’s something about fall that makes pumpkin the star of the kitchen, and this creamy pumpkin risotto is one of the best ways to enjoy it! It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor, making it perfect for cooler autumn evenings. Plus, it’s easy to make, even if you’re new to risotto!
Pumpkin risotto, or “risotto alla zucca,” has its roots in Northern Italy, especially in the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Traditionally, Italian families made this dish during the autumn harvest when pumpkins were in abundance.
In the past, people would cook the pumpkin slowly, blending it into a silky, flavorful puree before incorporating it into the risotto. This method guaranteed a smooth, creamy consistency and allowed the natural sweetness of the pumpkin to shine.
Today, I’ll show you how to bring a touch of that Italian tradition into your home kitchen with a modern twist!
Choosing the Best Pumpkin for a Creamy Risotto
For the perfect pumpkin risotto, choose varieties like butternut squash or Kabocha, which have a naturally sweet and creamy texture.
Additionally, Delica pumpkin works well, offering a rich, earthy flavor. Make sure the pumpkin is firm and ripe for the best results. This ensures it will blend smoothly into the risotto, creating that signature creamy consistency.
How to Customize Your Recipe
One of the best things about pumpkin risotto is its versatility. There are many way to add a personal touch to your dish. Here are a few!
You can easily make this pumpkin risotto vegan by swapping the Parmigiano with plant-based alternatives and using vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free version that’s just as creamy and rich.
On the other side, to add a little texture, try sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds or roasted hazelnuts on top. For a more adventurous twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon, which will bring warmth and depth to the dish’s flavor.
For this recipe, we added extra flavor to the pumpkin by sautéing it with some crispy bacon. The smoky, salty taste of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pumpkin. You can also use Italian Smoked Speck if you prefer a slightly richer, more intense flavor.
The Creamiest Pumpkin Risotto: A Delicious Fall Comfort Food
Cozy up this fall with our pumpkin risotto recipe. It’s a rich Italian dish made with fresh pumpkin and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for creating a flavorful autumn meal with minimal effort. Enjoy this creamy risotto that’s ideal for cozy evenings at home!
Ingredients
- 400g (14oz) Arborio or Carnaroli rice
- 500g (17,5oz) fresh pumpkin, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 100ml white wine
- 50g (1,7oz) butter
- 50g (1,7oz) grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 55g (20Z) Diced sauted bacon or speck
Instructions
- In a pan, sauté the diced pumpkin with olive oil and a garlic clove until it becomes soft and slightly caramelized. Remove the garlic and set it aside once it’s tender enough to mash.
- In a large pan, cook the chopped onion with half of the butter until it turns golden.
- Add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously.
- Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate while stirring the rice.
- Slowly add the broth. Gradually ladle in the warm vegetable broth, one scoop at a time, stirring continuously. This process helps release the starch, making the risotto creamy.
- Once the rice is halfway cooked (around 10 minutes), stir in the mashed pumpkin. Keep adding broth as needed until the rice is tender.
- (Optional) if you want to add bacon or speck, cut them into cubes and brown them for a couple of minutes in a pan. add the roasted cubes to the risotto when there are 4 minutes left of cooking.
- Finish with stirring in the butter and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. The risotto should now be creamy and rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add fresh chopped parsley if you like, and serve hot!
- Buon Appetito!
Notes
For the broth, check out our recipes here Broth: Why you should use a homemade one
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 198Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 1141mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 8g
Nutrition Data is automatically calculated and may be not accurate.
What to Serve with your Risotto
Wondering what pairs well with this creamy pumpkin risotto? Here are some ideas:
- Wines: A crisp, refreshing white wine like Pinot Grigio or a fruity rosé wine made from Chardonnay complements the creamy richness of the dish beautifully.
- Side dishes: Serve the risotto alongside a fresh Fennel and Orange Salad or some Roasted Asparagines to keep the meal seasonal.
- Desserts: For a sweet finish, try a light dessert like Tiramisu to complete your Italian-inspired meal.
Try this delicious Risotto tonight!
I hope you’ll love making and enjoying this creamy pumpkin risotto as much as I do! It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with during the fall season, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Loved this Recipe? Share the love! Leave a comment below and tell us how yours turned out. Get inspired with more authentic Italian recipes by following us on Pinterest, Instagram, or our Facebook Page to be always updated with new ideas and recipes with an Authentically Italian Flavor. Don’t forget to tag us with your culinary creations!
Check out my other fall recipes, like Saffron and Porcini Risotto or Gnocchi with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, for more delicious ways to enjoy seasonal produce.