Creamy arborio rice with roasted pumpkin, crispy sage leaves, and nutritional yeast for plant-based comfort.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 small pumpkin (about 21 oz), peeled and diced
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Grains
04 - 1.5 cups arborio rice
→ Liquids
05 - 5 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
06 - 0.5 cup dry white wine, optional
→ Oils & Fats
07 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
→ Herbs & Flavorings
08 - 15 to 20 fresh sage leaves
09 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes
11 - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, optional
12 - Zest of 0.5 lemon, optional
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 390°F. Spread diced pumpkin on a baking tray, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and golden. Set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Add arborio rice to the pan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring to coat each grain evenly.
04 - Pour in white wine if using and cook while stirring until almost completely absorbed.
05 - Begin adding warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time. Stir frequently, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
06 - While rice cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry sage leaves for 30 to 60 seconds until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain.
07 - Once rice is nearly done, gently fold in roasted pumpkin, nutmeg, and nutritional yeast if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
08 - Transfer risotto to serving bowls and top with crispy sage leaves and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
