Winter squashes have hit the market! My first squash recipe of the season is this savory risotto. You can make it a side dish or main dish, depending on portion size.In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup water and 14 ounces vegetable broth; bring to a simmer but do not boil, then keep warm over low heat.
Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion and cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently - the onion should be golden by the end.
Add 1/4 cup water, 1 and 1/2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (about 3/4-inch pieces), 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper; cook for 10 minutes.
Add 3/4 cup Arborio rice, and stir to combine. Add 1/4 cup of the broth mixture, and cook until the liquid is nearly absorbed. Continue adding the remaining broth mixture, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly as each portion is absorbed before adding the next - it will take about 30 minutes total.
At the end, stir in 1/4 cup shredded vegan cheese in place of Parmesan (I used the vegan mozzarella from Galaxy Foods), 1 and 1/2 tablespoons vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
2/3 cup makes a side serving of 280 calories, but as I mentioned, double that to make this risotto the centerpiece of the meal.
Cost:
vegetable broth $2.49
butternut squash $1.88
Arborio rice $0.74
This was the singularly most delicious meal I've had in a long while. I doubled it, so there's a little left to enjoy later :)
ReplyDeleteI did leave out the butter at the end, though. It seemed rich enough without it.