Description
A creamy and flavorful Pumpkin and Mushroom Risotto combining earthy crimini mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs, and a rich pumpkin-infused Arborio rice cooked slowly in warm vegetable stock. Perfectly balanced with fresh herbs, white wine, and finished with Pecorino cheese for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp butter (or more oil)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 9 medium crimini mushrooms (250g), cleaned and sliced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1-2 tbsp dry white wine
Pumpkin Risotto
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp butter (or more oil)
- 1 ½ cup Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino cheese or Parmesan (plus more for serving)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sautéed Mushrooms: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and butter if using, then add sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms, rosemary, and thyme. Toss them together and cook for 5 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
- Deglaze and Simmer Mushrooms: Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of white wine to deglaze the pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring frequently to develop flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Warm Pumpkin Stock: Combine the vegetable stock and canned pumpkin in a small saucepan over medium heat to warm. Keep warm for adding to the risotto later.
- Start Risotto Base: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp avocado oil. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast Rice: Stir in butter and Arborio rice. Continuously stir and toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent around the edges.
- Deglaze Risotto: Pour in ½ cup dry white wine to deglaze the pot. Allow the wine to evaporate fully over 1-3 minutes without burning the rice. Lower the heat to medium.
- Add Pumpkin Stock Gradually: Slowly add warm pumpkin-stock mixture in 1-2 ladlefuls to the rice, stirring constantly. Wait until the rice absorbs most of the liquid before adding more. Continue this process for 15-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender but still with a slight bite. Taste and add more stock if rice is not fully cooked.
- Finish Risotto: When the rice is tender, stir in balsamic vinegar (if using), grated Pecorino cheese, sea salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Fold half of the sautéed mushrooms into the risotto. Serve immediately, topped with the remaining mushrooms and extra Pecorino cheese as a garnish.
Notes
- Slicing mushrooms evenly ensures even cooking.
- Keep vegetable stock warm to maintain risotto cooking temperature for best texture.
- Stir constantly while adding stock to prevent sticking and create creamy risotto.
- If you want a vegan version, substitute butter and Pecorino with plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust herbs and seasoning to your preference for personalized flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian