Butternut Squash Risotto

Side Dish

Recipe courtesy of Chef Randy Cheramie

Serves 12

Ingredients: 

 

  • 1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds) 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 
  • 2 ounces pancetta, diced 
  • 1/2 cup minced shallots (about 2 large) 
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice  
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine 
  • 1 teaspoon saffron threads 
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

 

Butternut Squash Risotto

 

Method: 

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into 3/4-inch cubes. You should have about 6 cups.
Place the squash on a sheet pan and toss it with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing once, until very tender.
Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock in a small covered saucepan.  Leave it on low heat to simmer.  
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and sauté the pancetta and shallots on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, until the shallots are translucent but not browned.
Add the rice and stir to coat the grains with butter.  
Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes.
Add 2 cups of stock to the rice plus the saffron, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Stir and simmer until the stock is absorbed, 5 to 10 minutes.
Cook, stirring until the mixture seems a little dry, then add 2 more cups of stock.
Continue until the rice is cooked through, but still al dente, about 30 minutes total.
Off the heat, add the roasted squash cubes and Parmesan.
Mix well and serve.

Louisiana Recipes Weekly



 

Every Thursday you'll receive new recipes, events & festivals and more. See archive