Description
A hearty, nutty, and creamy alternative to traditional risotto made with roasted butternut squash and nutrient-dense farro grains.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1.5 cups pearled farro
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
4-5 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt on a large baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized at the edges.
Step 2: While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the dry farro to the pot and toast the grains for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure they are coated in oil and smell nutty.
Step 4: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer until the wine has been almost completely absorbed by the farro.
Step 5: Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one or two ladles at a time. Stir frequently and allow the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 25-30 minutes until the farro is tender but still has a slight chew (al dente).
Step 6: Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash cubes and the chopped sage. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more broth to reach your desired 'risotto' consistency.
Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Notes
Using pearled farro significantly reduces the cooking time compared to whole-grain farro. Ensure your vegetable broth is warm before adding it to the farro to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Category: Vegetarian & Vegan
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg