Butternut Squash Risotto Pioneer Woman Recipes

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND KALE RISOTTO

Steps:

• For the butternut squash and kale: Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the squash and sprinkle with the salt, chile powder and pepper. Cook for several minutes, turning gently with a spatula, until the squash is deep golden brown and tender (but not falling apart). Remove to a plate and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat and add in the kale. Toss it around with tongs and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes. Add in the cooked squash and gently toss together. Remove to a plate and set aside.
• For the risotto: Heat the broth in a saucepan over low heat. Keep warm.
• Add the butter to the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir, cooking for 1 minute.
• Reduce the heat to low. In 1-cup increments, begin adding the broth to the skillet, stirring to combine and gently stirring as the broth is absorbed. As soon as the liquid disappears, add in another cup to cup-and-a-half of broth. Continue this process, stirring gently as the broth incorporates and the rice starts to become tender. Add salt and pepper along the way.
• Taste the rice after about 5 cups of broth have been absorbed and see what the consistency is. Add another 1 to 2 cups of broth as needed to get the rice to the right consistency; it should be tender with just a little bit of "bite."
• When the rice is tender, add in the cooked squash and kale plus the turmeric and stir gently. Add the Parmesan shavings and cream and stir until it's just combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
• Sprinkle the minced parsley over the top and serve immediately with extra Parmesan shavings!

BAKED PANCETTA & BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In an ovenproof skillet with a tight-fitting lid, add the pancetta and cook over medium heat until browned and crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• To the pancetta drippings, add the butter and melt. Add the garlic and onion and cook until just translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the sage and thyme, then stir in the rice and cook, stirring, until the rice is well coated in the butter and pancetta drippings. Add the squash, broth and wine, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a simmer, cover with the lid and place in the oven. Bake until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 45 to 60 minutes.
• Carefully remove from the oven. Add the Parmesan, parsley and lemon juice, then stir until creamy. Sprinkle with the crispy pancetta and some more grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO

Steps:

• Break down the squash. Cut the stem end off the squash, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from one half. Reserve the other half for another use. Slice the squash lengthwise about 1/2 inch thick, then slice crosswise into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Cook the squash. Bring the stock to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat and keep at a simmer. Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the squash; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water and cook until the squash is tender, 10 to 15 more minutes. Use a wooden spoon to partially mash the squash, pressing it against the side of the pan.
• Make the risotto. Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper. Add a ladleful of hot stock to the rice and cook, stirring, until absorbed. (Don't add too much stock at once, and make sure it is hot; otherwise, it will stop the cooking process.) Continue adding stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
• About halfway through, add more salt and pepper to taste. The entire cooking process takes about 20 minutes; start tasting for doneness after about 15 minutes. If you've used all of the stock and the rice is not yet al dente, heat a few cups of water and add ladlefuls as you did with the stock until the dish is done. The risotto is done when you can drag the spoon through the center of the pan and make a clean line in the rice for a few seconds. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
• Serve the risotto. Transfer to serving bowls or a platter and top with Parmesan and parsley. Never leave finished risotto in the pan-it will keep cooking into a mush.