Pumpkin Risotto with Sage Butter Recipe
This Pumpkin Risotto with Sage Butter is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Arborio rice is cooked slowly in a flavorful broth, infused with the natural sweetness of pumpkin purée, and finished with a luxurious sage-infused butter and Parmesan cheese, creating an aromatic and comforting meal.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Risotto Base
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Butter and Sage
- 3 tbsp butter (divided: 1 tbsp for sautéing onion, 2 tbsp for frying sage and finishing)
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook gently until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, taking care not to brown it.
- Toast Rice: Add the arborio rice to the pan with the sautéed onions. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the rice grains become translucent, which helps the rice absorb liquids better.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine and stir continuously until the wine is mostly absorbed by the rice, infusing it with acidity and depth.
- Add Broth Gradually: Begin adding the chicken or vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring often. Wait until each addition is almost fully absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
- Incorporate Pumpkin and Cheese: Stir in the pumpkin purée until fully blended with the risotto. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring well to melt it and create a creamy texture.
- Prepare Sage Butter: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and fry them until crisp and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat once crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Pour the sage-infused butter, along with the crisped sage leaves, over the risotto and gently mix. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin purée for the best flavor or canned 100% pumpkin purée without added spices or sugar.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute butter with vegan butter and Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Stirring frequently is crucial to develop the desired creamy risotto texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: pumpkin risotto, sage butter, creamy risotto, autumn recipe, Italian main dish, vegetarian risotto