Vegan Pumpkin Risotto Crispy Sage

This Vegan Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage is a sophisticated yet comforting dish that celebrates the best of autumnal flavors. By combining roasted pumpkin with creamy arborio rice and aromatic herbs, you create a plant-based meal that feels luxurious and satisfying.

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The secret to a great risotto lies in the technique of slowly stirring in warm broth. This process releases the starches from the rice, creating that signature creamy consistency without the need for butter or cream.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 1 small (about 600 g) pumpkin, peeled and diced; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced.
• Grains: 300 g (1 ½ cups) arborio rice.
• Liquids: 1.2 liters (5 cups) vegetable broth, kept warm; 120 ml (½ cup) dry white wine (optional).
• Oils & Fats: 3 tbsp olive oil, divided.
• Herbs & Flavorings: 15–20 fresh sage leaves; ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg; salt and black pepper to taste.
• Garnishes: 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional); zest of ½ lemon (optional).

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Spread the diced pumpkin on a baking tray, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and golden. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the arborio rice to the pan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring to coat each grain.

Step 4: Deglaze

Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook, stirring, until almost completely absorbed.

Step 5: Add Broth Slowly

Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time. Stir frequently, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18–20 minutes.

Step 6: Fry the Sage

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the sage leaves for 30–60 seconds until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain.

Step 7: Combine and Season

Once the rice is nearly done, gently fold in the roasted pumpkin, nutmeg, and nutritional yeast (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the risotto hot, topped with crispy sage leaves and lemon zest if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Always ensure your vegetable broth is kept warm on a separate burner while cooking. Adding cold liquid to the hot rice will stop the cooking process and can result in unevenly cooked grains.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you cannot find a suitable pumpkin, butternut squash is an excellent substitute that offers a similar texture and sweetness. For those who prefer to cook without alcohol, simply replace the white wine with an equal amount of vegetable broth and a splash of lemon juice.

Serviervorschläge

Present this risotto in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant golden color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp vegan white wine and a side salad of bitter greens to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin.

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This Vegan Pumpkin Risotto is a testament to how simple plant-based ingredients can be transformed into a gourmet meal. Enjoy the warm, earthy flavors and the satisfying crunch of the crispy sage leaves.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use another squash instead of pumpkin?

Yes, butternut squash makes an excellent substitute for pumpkin in this dish. Prepare it in the same manner, roasting until tender and slightly caramelized.

→ What is arborio rice and why is it used for risotto?

Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice variety known for its high starch content. This starch is released during cooking, resulting in the creamy texture characteristic of a well-made risotto.

→ How do I ensure my risotto is creamy and not sticky?

The key to creamy risotto is gradually adding warm broth, one ladleful at a time, and stirring frequently. This allows the rice to slowly absorb the liquid and release its starches, creating a velvety consistency without becoming gummy.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Risotto is best enjoyed immediately after preparation as it can become thick and lose its ideal texture upon cooling. However, you can roast the pumpkin and prepare the sage leaves in advance to save time.

→ What can I use if I don't have white wine?

If you prefer not to use white wine, simply omit it and continue with the vegetable broth. The wine adds a layer of acidity and depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it.