Ingredients

  • For the Puree
  • 1 Medium white onion
  • 1 Large carrot
  • 1 Medium Size butternut squash
  • 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Ground clove
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 pinch Sea salt
  • 1 pinch Fresh black pepper
  • For the risotto
  • 7 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Minced fresh sage
  • 6 cups Vegetable or chicken stock
  • 2 cups Butternut squash puree
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2/3 cup Caramelized onions
  • 2 cups Arborio rive
  • 1 teaspoon Minced fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 cup Dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup Grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
  • Pinch Salt to taste
  • Pinch Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Method

  • Peel onion and carrot. Cut both into small cubes.
  • Wash butternut squash, remove the skin with a knife or vegetable peeler (place squash in microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin, making it easier to peel), scrape out seeds and pulp and cut into 1 inch cubes.
  • Add olive oil to a large pot and heat on medium for approximately 1-2 minutes. Add in the onions and carrots and cook on medium high heat until onions are translucent.
  • Add the squash and enough water to cover the squash (approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water).
  • Cook the vegetables for about 20 minutes on medium high heat until the squash and carrots are soft. Pour mixture into a heat-resistant blender, such as the Kenwood Blend-X Pro, add in the dry seasonings and pulse for 1 minute until the puree is completely blended.
  • **If you have additional puree use it to create a simple soup, thinning out with some chicken or vegetable stock if needed.
  • Chop herbs and dice the onions. Set the herbs aside for later.
  • Heat oil in saucepan and caramelize the onions over medium high heat for 12-15 minutes.
  • Add the rice, herbs and white wine, stirring often to slightly toast the rice.
  • Increase temperature and add in almost all of the vegetable stock and butternut squash puree, reserve about 1/2-1 cup of stock if you need to add to the risotto a little later.
  • Stir the mixture often; once the stock reaches a boil, lower heat and simmer on medium for 25 minutes. Continuing to stir often until the rice reaches a creamy consistency.
  • When the rice is cooked thoroughly, add the cheese, butter salt and pepper, turn off the heat so the risotto doesn't get mushy.