Butternut Squash Risotto

Serves: 4

Branson Greenfelder

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

44

Spice

44

Sweetness

51

Sourness

37

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.1

Difficulty

Ingredients:

3 tbsps

Unsalted Butter

Directions:

1

Break down the squash

2

Cut the stem end off the squash, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin

3

Slice in half lengthwise

4

Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from one half

5

Reserve the other half for another use

6

Slice the squash lengthwise about 1/2 inch thick, then slice crosswise into 1/2-inch cubes

7

Cook the squash

8

Bring the stock to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat and keep at a simmer

9

Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat

10

Add the squash; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden, about 5 minutes

11

Add 1/4 cup water and cook until the squash is tender, 10 to 15 more minutes

12

Use a wooden spoon to partially mash the squash, pressing it against the side of the pan

13

Make the risotto

14

Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper

15

Add a ladleful of hot stock to the rice and cook, stirring, until absorbed

16

(Don't add too much stock at once, and make sure it is hot; otherwise, it will stop the cooking process

17

) Continue adding stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more

18

About halfway through, add more salt and pepper to taste

19

The entire cooking process takes about 20 minutes; start tasting for doneness after about 15 minutes

20

If you've used all of the stock and the rice is not yet al dente, heat a few cups of water and add ladlefuls as you did with the stock until the dish is done

21

The risotto is done when you can drag the spoon through the center of the pan and make a clean line in the rice for a few seconds

22

Season with more salt and pepper to taste, if needed

23

Serve the risotto

24

Transfer to serving bowls or a platter and top with Parmesan and parsley

25

Never leave finished risotto in the pan-it will keep cooking into a mush

26

Photograph by The Ingalls