Ham, Zucchini & Pumpkin Risotto Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🥣 Servings: 6
🍽️ Yield: N/A
Description:
Indulge in the savory goodness of this Ham, Zucchini & Pumpkin Risotto, a hearty one-dish meal that combines the richness of ham with the freshness of zucchini and pumpkin, all enveloped in creamy arborio rice. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 tbsp | Butter |
| 1/2 | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 1/2 cup | Dry white wine |
| 2 cups | Arborio rice |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 1/8 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1 cup | Diced ham |
| 6 – 8 | Pumpkin cubes |
| 1 1/2 | Zucchini, sliced |
| – | Dried basil |
| 1 1/2 | Parmesan cheese |
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion has softened.
- Pour in the dry white wine and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, typically 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the arborio rice, salt, pepper, and diced ham, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the buttery mixture.
- Gradually add 2 cups of stock, stirring continuously over medium heat until the liquid is absorbed, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce the diced pumpkin and sliced zucchini into the risotto mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Continue adding the remaining stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the rice achieves a creamy texture and is tender yet still slightly firm in the center. This step usually takes about 15-18 minutes from the time the first stock is added.
- Once the risotto reaches the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, along with the dried basil and grated Parmesan cheese, until thoroughly combined.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 451.2
- Fat: 11.9g
- Saturated Fat: 6.6g
- Cholesterol: 32.3mg
- Sodium: 1365.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 59.6g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 2.9g
- Protein: 17.6g
Recipe Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock.
- Customize your risotto by adding additional vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
- Ensure to continuously stir the risotto to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired, for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
