Risotto with Acorn Squash

It's been a while since I've posted some recipes that we've tried, and I thought it was due! Here is a great risotto recipe for fall thanks to Mario Batali. Since we moved to Italy Josh has become the risotto master in our house and this was the lastest one we tried. It was good!! Risotto is a dish that has very mild flavors and it takes a while to build up an appreciation for the delicate flavors. Here is a delicious fall recipe that you should try!! We paired this with steamed fresh green beans (with garlic, salt and pepper added for steaming).

Risotto with Acorn Squash

(Risotto con Zucca)

• serves 4 people
• about 30-40 minutes total time

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium white onion, cut into 1/4 inch dice**
1 small acorn squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 1/2 cups arborio rice

1/2 cup dry white wine

8 cups chicken stock, heated until hot

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano (and more for serving)
salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. In a 10-12 inch pan, heat olive oil over medium heat until almost smoking. Add onion and squash, cook until the onion becomes translucent but not brown (about 8-10 mintues). Add the rice and stir with a wooden spoon until toasted and opaque- not brown (about 3-4 mintues).

2. Add the wine, then add a 4-6 ounce ladleful of stock and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue stirring and adding the stock a ladleful at a time, waiting until the liquid is absorbed each time before adding more, until the rice is tender and creamy yet still al dente, about 18 minutes.

3. Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter and parmigiano and stir vigorously until well mixed, about 25 seconds. Season with salt and pepper. Divide into four warmed plates and serve immediately with extra parmigiano.

ENJOY!!

** I would recommend cutting back to half an onion and a little more squash if possible. The onion was a little overpowering for the delicate flavor of the squash.

Reference:

Batali, M. (2005). Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian recipes to cook at home. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers Inc.