Ingredients

  • 3 onions, halved, then sliced
  • 2 to 3 lb. squash (I used a turban), peeled, seeded and cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 2 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped (or more)
  • 1 tsp. sage
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • water
  • 1-1/2 cup short grain rice
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • Marsala
  • 3/4 cup white wine
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

  • Heat oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet.
  • Add onions and garlic and and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Add squash and sage.
  • Cook on medium high heat, stirring often, until vegetables are golden brown with darker spots and squash is becoming tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat broth.
  • Add rice to squash mixture and stir for 2 minutes.
  • Add red and white wines, and cook until wine reduces.
  • Add balsamic vinegar.
  • Lower heat.
  • Start adding broth, about a cup at a time, stirring after each addition until all the broth is absorbed.
  • Keep doing this until the risotto is creamy and al dente, it should take about half an hour.
  • Correct seasonings (add salt if you like - I don't use it).
  • Spoon into bowls, top with freshly grated parmesan and julienned fresh basil.