Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Parmesan and Bacon

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Have you had pumpkin risotto before? When the fall season rolls around, there’s something undeniably comforting about savoring dishes that perfectly encapsulate the essence of autumn. One such dish that captures the heart and soul of this season is the delightful Pumpkin Risotto. This creamy, flavorful creation blends the rich, earthy taste of pumpkin with the savory allure of bacon and Parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy!

What is Risotto?

 Risotto is an Italian rice that is cooked slowly, while gradually adding liquids causing the rice to plump up gloriously to create this creamy, delicious side dish. This Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Parmesan and Applewood Bacon is great anytime but it’s perfect for fall and even for your Thanksgiving spread.

Risotto takes some babysitting. It’s not a leave and let be recipe, but it’s so worth it. How amazing does that look!

Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Step 1: Prep Work

• Begin by heating the chicken or vegetable broth in a separate saucepan over low heat. Keeping it warm will help maintain the temperature when it’s added to the risotto.
• In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent. Add the bacon.
• Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate the Rice

• Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring it’s well coated with the bacon and onion mixture. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquid

• Pour 1 cup of the warm chicken broth into the skillet, stirring continuously until it’s absorbed by the rice.

Step 5: Repeat

• After the broth has been absorbed, add another cup of broth. Stir until it’s absorbed and repeat again until all the broth has been added an absorbed.

Step 6: Add the Pumpkin

• Incorporate the pumpkin puree, mixing it thoroughly with the rice.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove the skillet from heat and let the risotto rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Risotto is something you can put your own spill on but this one with the mix of comfort food elements is perfect for a fall side dish.

5 from 1 vote

Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Parmesan and Applewood Bacon

This is a great fall side dish!  This Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Parmesan cheese and Applewood Bacon is SO good.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:25 minutes mins

Total Time:30 minutes mins

Equipment

• large sauce pan

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 white onion finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 4 slices bacon chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cup hot chicken broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
• pepper add to taste if desired

Instructions

• Add olive oil to a large sauce pan. Add chopped bacon and saute over medium heat until bacon is 1/2 way cooked. Then add chopped onion and cook till translucent. Continue to stir during this process.
• Add minced garlic. Stir to combine. Add rice and stir. Let rice cook a minute until it absorbs the oil/flavors.
• Add 1 cup of hot chicken broth to the rice. Stir until the broth is absorbed by the rice then add another cup of stock.
• Repeat step 3 until all the broth has been absorbed.
• Add pumpkin puree and cheese. Stir until pumpkin puree is combined and cheese has melted.
• Add pepper if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pumpkin

The Pumpkin Risotto with its silky texture, combined with the smoky richness of bacon and the nutty saltiness of Parmesan cheese, is a remarkable dish that’s perfect for cozy fall evenings or special occasions.

Tips And Variations

• dry white wine instead of chicken broth
• vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
• fresh sage to add additional flavor
• shallot instead of onion for a lighter onion flavor

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