Dinner ideas

Pumpkin and blue cheese risotto

Don’t overcook your risotto – the grains should be al dente when served.
4
30M

Ingredients

Method

1.Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan and cook the onion and garlic over a low to medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant but not coloured.
2.Add the risotto rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until well coated with oil and slightly toasted. Gradually add the stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring gently every few minutes.
3.Meanwhile, par cook the pumpkin for 4-5 minutes in simmering salted water until just tender and drain.
4.After the 3 cups of liquid have nearly been absorbed, add the pumpkin to the risotto. When the stock is nearly all absorbed, stir in the cream and blue cheese. Season to taste.
5.Spoon into shallow bowls, then top with a few green leaves and pine nuts.

As a general rule, the risotto rice to stock or liquid ratio should be about 1: 3.5. Risotto is a great basic meal to master, then you can use your imagination to create many flavours. The combination of sweet pumpkin with the creamy blue cheese works well with this recipe and I top mine with a few fresh leaves or herbs. The toasted pine nuts are always a treat too! – Jo Wilcox

Note

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