Smoky Chicken & Pumpkin Risotto Delight

Smoked Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

This Smoked Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto is a delightful blend of savory and nutty flavors, offering a comforting yet gourmet experience. It brings together the rich smokiness of chicken, the sweet earthiness of pumpkin, and the delightful crunch of peanuts, creating a dish that’s both sophisticated and approachable. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Overview

• Name: Smoked Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto
• Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Description: A marvelous combination of smoked chicken and pumpkin with a nutty flavor, inspired by an oriental noodles recipe with beef but personalized with unique ingredients.
• Category: Lunch/Snacks
• Keywords: Chicken, Long Grain Rice, Poultry, Rice, Meat, Asian, Free Of…, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
• Servings: 3
• Calories: 307.4 per serving
• Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
• Review Count: 3

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 307.4 kcal
• Fat: 17.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 28.4 mg
• Sodium: 69.9 mg
• Carbohydrates: 32.4 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugars: 2.6 g
• Protein: 7.3 g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Golden Pecan Bliss: Irresistible Bar Cookie Recipe
   • 
     Fiesta Chicken Fiesta: Make-Ahead Casserole Delight
   • 
     Smoky Southwest BBQ Brisket: Tender Texan Delight 🍖🔥
   • 
     Southern Squash Delight: Cheesy Zucchini & Yellow Squash Casserole 🌟
   “Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer.

   • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business

   Get started now and elevate your projects!
   • Peanuts and Pumpkin: In a heavy saucepan, heat 1/2 cup olive oil over moderate heat. Add the chopped peanuts and diced pumpkin, stirring occasionally. Cook until the peanuts are golden, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peanuts and pumpkin to a bowl and set aside.

2. Cook the Rice:

   • In the Same Pan: Keep the oil in the pan, add 2 cups of long grain white rice. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring every minute to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
   • Add Onion and Chicken: After the rice has cooked for a bit, add the chopped onions and diced smoked chicken to the pan. Incorporate 1/2 tsp of mixed spice. Fry for another 2 minutes until the onions are translucent and the chicken is well coated with the spices.

3. Add the Stock:

   • Pour in the Chicken Stock: Add 4 cups of chicken stock to the pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan and reduce the heat to very low. Allow the rice to cook gently until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 13 minutes.

4. Finish the Risotto:

   • Add Cream: Stir in 1/4 cup of double cream, allowing the mixture to reduce for about 2 minutes. This adds a rich, creamy texture to the risotto.
   • Rest the Rice: Remove the pan from heat and let it stand undisturbed for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

5. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients:

   • Chop the Basil: While the rice is resting, finely chop the fresh basil.
   • Fluff and Combine: After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork. Gently stir in the chopped basil, reserved peanuts, and pumpkin. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp white pepper, adjusting to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Presentation: Serve the risotto warm, garnished with a sprig of basil or additional chopped peanuts for an extra touch of elegance.
   • Optional: Pair with a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread to complete the meal.

Tips and Variations

• Rice: While long grain white rice is specified, you can experiment with Arborio or Carnaroli rice for a more traditional risotto texture.
• Pumpkin: Butternut squash can be a good substitute if pumpkin is not available.
• Herbs: If fresh basil is not on hand, consider using fresh parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Spices: The mixed spice can be a blend of your choice. A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice works well to add a warm undertone.
• Chicken: For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water to the risotto and warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the creamy consistency.

Wine Pairing

• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the smoky and nutty flavors in this dish.
• Red Wine: A light red such as a Pinot Noir can also pair well, especially if you enjoy a more robust contrast.

Culinary Notes

This recipe stands out not only for its unique flavor combination but also for its simplicity and versatility. The use of smoked chicken adds depth, while the pumpkin contributes a subtle sweetness that balances the dish. Peanuts offer a surprising yet delightful crunch that elevates the texture and overall experience. This dish is a fantastic way to explore Asian-inspired flavors in a comforting, familiar format like risotto.

Enjoy creating and savoring this Smoked Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto, and feel free to personalize it further to suit your palate and dietary preferences. Happy cooking!