Butternut Squash Risotto with Spinach

 

1. Originally from feastingathome.com

   ingredients

   • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
   • 2 cups sliced leeks (one extra large leek)
   • 4 garlic cloves, rough chopped
   • 8 sage leaves, chopped
   • 1 cup Arborio rice or short-grain Spanish rice (Bomba)
   • 2 heaping cups butternut squash, cubed
   • 1/4 cup white wine (or skip it)
   • 2 cups veggie stock or chicken stock or broth (or water and one teaspoon or cube veggie bouillon)
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/8  teaspoon white pepper (or sub black pepper to taste)
   • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg the nutmeg makes this- don’t leave it out!
   • ——
   • 2–3 handfuls baby spinach or chopped kale
   • OPTIONAL: 1/4 – 1/2 cup parmesan, pecorino, manchego, goat cheese, vegan cheese or cashew cheese – or the leave cheese out and use LEEK OIL for garnish. Or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of butter or ghee, or a drizzle of olive oil.
   • Optional: Maple Glazed Pecans

2. STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS: ( you will need 4-5 cups warm stock) 

   1. ROAST BUTTERNUT: Toss the butternut with olive oil, salt and pepper and ROAST the butternut in a 400 F oven on a parchment-lined sheet pan until caramelized and tender 25-30 minutes. At the same time make risotto.
3. RISOTTO: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the washed leeks. Saute until fragrant and tender, covering with the lid for a few minutes to let them steam a bit. Add garlic and sage, saute 2 more minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the rice and saute 1 minute, stirring. Add a splash of white wine, and cook this off. Add the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add 1-2 cups warm stock (enough to cover the rice), stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.  Continue adding broth 1 cup at a time, letting the rice absorb it slowly, stirring often over med-low heat, until the rice is plumped, slightly al dente, yet creamy, about 20-25 minutes. If adding kale, add it with the last cup of broth. If adding spinach, you can stir it in at the end. Keep the risotto thick and hearty or add more stock to loosen it up a bit.
5. Stir in the roasted butternut and spinach and optional cheese or butter. Taste, season and adjust salt and pepper.  If bland, it probably needs more salt.
6. Garnish with the leek oil and maple glazed pecans.