Description
Creamy and comforting Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto featuring tender Arborio rice cooked slowly with sautéed wild mushrooms, smooth butternut squash puree, and Parmesan cheese, perfect as a hearty vegetarian main dish or elegant holiday side.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Butternut Squash
- 1 pound Mixed Wild Mushrooms
- 2 Cups Brown Arborio Rice
- 7-8 Cups Vegetable Stock, heated
- ½ Cup Freshly grated Parmesan, plus more to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 Stalks Celery, chopped
- 1 Medium Sweet Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Cut off both ends of the butternut squash and peel it using a vegetable peeler. Scoop out the seeds from the cavity with a spoon. Cut the squash into halves, then dice into cubes.
- Cook and Puree the Squash: Boil the cubed squash in a pot of boiling water until fork-tender, then drain and blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, steam the squash for 12-15 minutes until tender before pureeing.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the mixed wild mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Using the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped celery, diced onion, and dried thyme, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Begin Cooking: Add the brown Arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for about 1 minute. Immediately pour in 2 cups of the hot vegetable stock and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Cook Risotto with Stock: Gradually add remaining stock in 2-cup increments, stirring regularly, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue until rice is tender and creamy.
- Incorporate Squash Puree and Mushrooms: Blend steamed squash with Parmesan until smooth, then stir this into the risotto. Mix in half of the sautéed mushrooms, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Plate the risotto, top with remaining mushrooms, sprinkle additional Parmesan, and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using pre-cut butternut squash can save time during prep.
- Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are excellent substitutes if mixed wild mushrooms are unavailable.
- Keep vegetable broth warm and add it slowly to achieve creamy risotto texture.
- Brown Arborio rice requires longer cooking than white; be patient and adjust broth accordingly.
- If the risotto becomes too thick before serving, stir in a bit of warm broth to loosen it.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with added broth or water for moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian