Ingredients:
– 1 cup of Arborio rice
– 1 medium-sized pumpkin
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp of olive oil
– 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
– 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp of butter
For the roasted pumpkin seeds:
– 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds
– 1 tbsp of olive oil
– 1 tsp of salt
– 1 tsp of smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and set them aside in a bowl.
3. Place the pumpkin halves on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. While the pumpkin is roasting, prepare the pumpkin seeds. Rinse them under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
5. In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin seeds, olive oil, salt, and paprika until well coated.
6. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
7. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
8. Add the Arborio rice and toast it for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant.
9. Add the chicken or vegetable stock, one cup at a time, and stir constantly until the rice absorbs the liquid.
10. Keep adding more stock until the rice is fully cooked and creamy.
11. Add the grated parmesan cheese and butter, and stir until melted and well combined.
12. Serve the pumpkin risotto in bowls and top it with the roasted pumpkin seeds.
This pumpkin risotto recipe is perfect for a cozy evening in or as a main dish for a dinner party. The roasted pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch to the creamy rice, while the smoked paprika gives them a bit of a kick. You can also play around with the recipe by adding different herbs and spices or swapping out the parmesan cheese for another type of cheese.
Overall, pumpkin risotto with its seeds is a delicious and creative way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. It is satisfying and flavorful, and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and comforting meal this fall season!