Risotto with Apples, Spicy Pumpkin and Sage

Risotto with apples, spicy pumpkin, and sage is a dish full of autumnal flavors with an original twist. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 320 g of Carnaroli or Arborio rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 300 g of cleaned and diced pumpkin
• 2 apples (preferably tart varieties), peeled and diced
• 1 liter of hot vegetable broth
• 100 ml of dry white wine
• A pinch of chili powder (or to taste)
• 4-5 leaves of fresh sage
• 40 g of butter
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. In a pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the diced pumpkin and cook for a few minutes, then add the apples and continue cooking until they start to soften.
3. Add the rice to the pot and toast for about 2 minutes, until it’s shiny and semi-transparent.
4. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
5. Add the chili powder and chopped sage (keeping some leaves aside for final garnish).
6. Begin to add the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, maintaining a slight boil. Make sure to stir frequently and add more broth only when the previous amount has been absorbed by the rice.
7. Continue cooking for about 18 minutes or until the rice is al dente, with the pumpkin and apples soft.
8. Meanwhile, in a small pan, melt 20 g of butter and fry the remaining sage leaves until they become crispy. Remove the sage and set it aside.
9. When the risotto is ready, remove from the heat and cream with the remaining butter, and if desired, add the grated Parmesan. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
10. Serve the risotto garnishing each plate with the crispy sage set aside.

Curiosity

Apple risotto is not common in traditional Italian cuisine, but the addition of fruit in risottos is a practice that can lead to new flavor combinations. The tart apples provide a pleasant freshness that contrasts the sweet flavor of the pumpkin and the slight spiciness of the chili pepper. With this recipe, you’ll bring a touch of creativity and flavor to the table.