This pumpkin risotto is made using a slow cooker, combining Arborio rice, pumpkin puree, and flavorful broth to create a creamy, tender dish. The final texture is rich and velvety, with grains of rice fully cooked and coated in a luscious sauce, garnished with herbs and cheese for a cozy presentation.
1 1/2cupsArborio riceshort-grain rice for creaminess
4cupsvegetable brothwarm, for cooking rice
1smallonionfinely chopped
2clovesgarlicminced
2tablespoonsolive oil
1/2cupParmesan cheesegrated, plus extra for serving
1teaspoonfresh sagechopped, optional
to tasteSalt and pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes; transfer to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, briefly cook the minced garlic until just fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add it to the slow cooker with the onions.
Add the pumpkin puree, Arborio rice, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
Set the slow cooker to low and cover. Let the risotto cook for about 2 hours, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and creamy.
Once cooked, uncover and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sage, if using. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of sage or freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Notes
You can customize the flavor by adding roasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of sage-infused oil. For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream before serving.