Roasted pumpkin and herb risotto

Roasted Pumpkin and Herb Risotto is a creamy, savoury dish featuring tender roasted pumpkin and fragrant herbs. This comforting meal is made by gradually adding broth to sautéed rice, resulting in a rich, satisfying flavour profile.

09 Dec 2025
Cook time 65 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

8 cups pumpkin
3 tbsp olive oil
6 cups chicken gravy
2 cups water
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
2 cups white rice
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1/2 bunch fresh parsley
1/3 cup chives

Roasted pumpkin and herb risotto is a comforting, savory dish that's perfect for cozy nights in. The creamy texture of the risotto combined with the sweet, roasted pumpkin and aromatic herbs makes this recipe a delightful, satisfying meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting guests, this risotto is sure to impress with its rich flavors and gourmet presentation.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Roast Pumpkin:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cubed pumpkin on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Toss to coat and spread the pumpkin out in an even layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and lightly browned. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.

2. Prepare Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth and water. Heat over medium heat until it comes to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low to keep it warm.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat the rice grains with the oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the rice look translucent.

5. Add Broth Gradually:
- Begin adding the warm broth mixture to the rice one ladleful (about 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladleful.
- Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to al dente, about 18-20 minutes. You may not need all the broth.

6. Combine Pumpkin with Risotto:
- Once the rice is tender, gently fold in the roasted pumpkin cubes.
- Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

7. Add Herbs and Season:
- Stir in the chopped parsley and chives.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

8. Serve:
- Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and herbs if desired.

This roasted pumpkin and herb risotto is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. The sweet, roasted pumpkin pairs beautifully with the creamy risotto and fresh herbs, making this a delightful and memorable meal. By following these tips and techniques, you'll create a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the rich, autumnal flavors of pumpkin and herbs. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Roasted pumpkin and herb risotto FAQ:

What is the best way to know when the risotto is done?

The risotto is done when the rice is creamy and al dente, typically after 18-20 minutes of gradually adding broth. You can test doneness by tasting a grain; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken gravy?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken gravy to make the risotto vegetarian. Ensure the broth is rich in flavor to maintain the dish's depth.

How should I store leftover risotto?

Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture.

What type of rice should I use for risotto?

Use Arborio rice for this risotto, as its high starch content gives the dish its creamy consistency. Other options include Carnaroli or Vialone Nano.

Can I add other vegetables to this risotto?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as spinach, peas, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic, or fold them in with the roasted pumpkin.

Cooking Tips:

- Choose the right pumpkin.: Opt for a sugar pumpkin or a kent pumpkin as they offer a sweeter flavor that complements the risotto well.

- Use warm chicken gravy.: Keeping the chicken gravy warm will help the risotto cook more evenly and quickly.

- Stir continuously.: Stirring continuously helps release the rice's starch, resulting in a creamier risotto.

- Roast the pumpkin properly.: Ensure the pumpkin is roasted until tender and slightly caramelized for maximum flavor development.

- Season at the end.: Add salt towards the end of cooking to avoid making the risotto too salty as ingredients like parmesan cheese already contain salt.

Nutrition Facts

6 Servings
Calories 510kcal
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 90g
Fiber 2.74g
Sugar 7g
Fat 20g

Roasted pumpkin and herb risotto