Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

This is a great fall recipe; it combines the inherent  creaminess of traditional risotto with the sweet yet savory flavor of the roasted squash, which pairs with the lemony notes of the thyme.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
4 1/2 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/4 cups uncooked Arborio rice
1/2 cup chardonnay
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Preparation 

Preheat oven to 400°.

Combine squash and 1 tablespoon oil, tossing to coat. Arrange squash in a single layer on jelly-roll pan. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until squash is just tender. Remove from pan; stir in garlic. Set aside.

Bring broth to a simmer in a saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.

Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 20 minutes total). Stir in squash, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Top with cheese and sprinkle with thyme.