Introducing a delightful culinary creation: Butternut Pumpkin and Sage Risotto Bites! These savory delights are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a tasty snack. With a preparation time of just one hour and a total cooking time of two hours, you’ll soon be savoring these delectable bites bursting with flavor.
Butternut Pumpkin and Sage Risotto Bites
Overview:
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Rice, Vegetable, Savory, Deep Fried, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 500ml olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 50g garlic, minced
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1L water
- 500g butternut pumpkin, chopped into 1cm pieces
- 1 bunch fresh sage leaves
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Nutrition Facts (per bite):
- Calories: 40.1
- Fat Content: 1.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 2.9mg
- Sodium Content: 17.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.4g
- Sugar Content: 0.4g
- Protein Content: 0.8g
Yield:
- Makes approximately 45 bites
Instructions:
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Prepare Pumpkin: Begin by chopping the butternut pumpkin into 1cm pieces, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onions, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
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Add Rice: Stir in the arborio rice, allowing it to toast in the fragrant mixture for about a minute. This step helps to enhance the nutty flavor of the rice.
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Incorporate Pumpkin: Introduce the chopped butternut pumpkin to the pan, followed by the water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
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Simmer: Allow the risotto mixture to simmer uncovered for approximately 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a creamy texture as the rice absorbs the liquid and the pumpkin becomes tender.
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Infuse Flavor: Just before removing the risotto from the heat, stir in the fresh sage leaves and grated parmesan cheese. These ingredients impart a rich depth of flavor and aroma to the dish.
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Cool Mixture: Spread the cooked risotto mixture onto a baking tray, allowing it to cool completely. This step helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into bites.
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Shape Bites: Using tablespoons, portion out the cooled risotto mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly to create a uniform shape.
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Coat in Flour: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Roll each risotto ball in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated and shaking off any excess.
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Deep Fry: In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil for frying. Carefully add the coated risotto balls to the hot oil in batches, frying until they are lightly browned and crisp.
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Drain and Serve: Once fried to perfection, remove the risotto bites from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the Butternut Pumpkin and Sage Risotto Bites with a dollop of sour cream on top and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
These Butternut Pumpkin and Sage Risotto Bites are sure to be a hit with family and friends, offering a delightful combination of creamy risotto, sweet pumpkin, and fragrant sage, all encased in a crispy exterior. Whether enjoyed as a snack or served as part of a larger meal, these bites are guaranteed to impress!