Creamy Pumpkin and Speck Risotto Recipe

Risotto with Pumpkin and Speck – A Perfect Fall Delight

As the crispness of autumn fills the air, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of risotto, especially when it’s made with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and speck. This creamy, savory dish is ideal for a cozy dinner and will undoubtedly impress your guests. The combination of sweet pumpkin, savory speck, and rich Grana Padano cheese creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement the creamy texture of the risotto.

This Risotto with Pumpkin and Speck is simple to make, requiring a few key ingredients to bring out its wonderful flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Risotto with Pumpkin and Speck (Serves 4)

Instructions for Preparing Risotto with Pumpkin and Speck

1. Prepare the pumpkin: Start by peeling and dicing the Delica pumpkin into small chunks. You can use any variety of pumpkin, but Delica is particularly creamy and sweet, which makes it ideal for risotto.

2. Sauté the garlic and pumpkin: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or skillet. Add the garlic clove, slightly crushed but still in its skin, and let it infuse the oil. Once the garlic releases its fragrance, add the diced pumpkin. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the pumpkin softens and becomes tender. Remove the garlic clove and set the cooked pumpkin aside.

3. Prepare the speck: While the pumpkin is cooking, cut the speck into small cubes. Heat a separate pan with a little olive oil and add the speck. Let it crisp up and release its flavorful oils, which will add depth to the dish. Set it aside once it’s nicely browned and crispy.

4. Toast the rice: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat a little more olive oil and add the Vialone Nano rice. Stir the rice around, ensuring each grain is coated with oil. Toast the rice until it turns slightly translucent, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial to get a creamy risotto later.

5. Add the broth: Now, begin adding the vegetable broth a ladleful at a time. Stir the rice constantly and allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. This will take about 18-20 minutes, depending on the type of rice and how creamy you prefer your risotto.

6. Incorporate the pumpkin and speck: Once the rice is nearly cooked to your desired level of creaminess, add the cooked pumpkin and crispy speck to the rice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the pumpkin mixes thoroughly into the risotto. This will give the risotto its lovely orange hue and a slight sweetness that complements the salty speck.

7. Finish the risotto: Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter and let it melt, creating a rich, creamy texture. Then, add the freshly grated Grana Padano DOP cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Garnish and serve: Finally, garnish the risotto with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the risotto hot, ideally paired with a crisp white wine or a light red wine.

Tips for the Perfect Risotto

• Broth: Always use hot broth to cook your risotto. This ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid at the right rate.

• Stirring: The key to a creamy risotto is constant stirring. The more you stir, the more starch is released from the rice, which gives the dish its signature creamy texture.

• Cheese: Don’t skimp on the Grana Padano DOP. This Italian cheese has a deep, nutty flavor that adds depth to the dish.

• Pumpkin choice: While Delica pumpkin is great for its sweetness and texture, feel free to substitute with butternut squash or any other sweet variety of pumpkin.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This Risotto with Pumpkin and Speck offers a balance of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors. With its rich texture and deep, autumn-inspired ingredients, it’s a fantastic dish to share with loved ones or serve as a comforting weeknight meal. The Vialone Nano rice provides the perfect base, soaking up all the broth and flavors, while the speck adds a delightful crispiness and depth that’s enhanced by the sweetness of the pumpkin. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy!