Butternut Squash Risotto

When I think of risotto, words such as rich, creamy, and satisfying come to mind. The thought of risotto conjures up images of a steamy and aromatic bowl of rice that is perfect on its own but equally good accompanied by other vegetables or sources of protein. But what exactly is risotto?

Seafood Risotto

What Is Risotto?

Risotto is Italian rice dish with arborio rice as the base, and various other vegetables and flavorings incorporated. Arborio rice is a variety of short-grain white rice that is named after the region of Italy where it was originally cultivated. It is naturally high in starch, which serves an important function in creating the distinctive, creamy texture of this dish.

The addition of butternut squash to risotto offers satisfying and playful sweet and savory flavors. While most of the squash pieces will maintain their texture, some of the squash will naturally break down. The end result is a brightly-colored dish that is exceptionally creamy. 

What To Serve With Risotto

Risotto can be served as a main course, alongside a salad such as this refreshing citrus salad, or to accompany a protein. Roasted chicken, grilled steaks, pan-seared scallops, and shrimp are perfect accompaniments to risotto, but be sure to moderate the quantity unless you’re really hungry! Cooked chickpeas or fresh fava beans offer a great vegetarian protein alternative

Tips for Making Risotto

Be Patient

One key feature of a properly cooked risotto is patience, meaning that this is definitely not a dish to make when you are in a hurry or impatient. A typical risotto preparation will take at least 45 minutes and requires your attention for the duration of the cooking process. Cooking risotto is a great counterbalance to our fast-paced world: an opportunity to slow down, be mindful, and be in awe of how these tiny hard grains are transformed into something so soft, creamy, and inviting. 

Use Hot Broth

Risotto is cooked slowly and in stages, with the addition of small amounts of hot broth to create the much desired creamy texture. Using hot broth expedites the cooking process and allows for the rice to cook properly and more efficiently.

Don't Forget To Stir-- But Not Too Much

It may be hard to believe, but the key technique used to develop the signature creamy texture of risotto is the simple stir! Stirring allows the rice grains to rub against each other and release some of the natural starch back into the dish. 

While it is absolutely necessary to stir frequently, it is equally important not to over-stir. Over-stirring could result in too much starch being released into the dish, resulting in a porridge-y consistency. As a general rule, stirring every 30 seconds allows the rice to release the right amount of starch while preventing the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.