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Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries Recipe

4.9 from 113 reviews

This creamy Pumpkin Risotto recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin puree with savory Parmesan and fresh herbs, creating a comforting and elegant dish perfect for fall or any cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Base

  • 4 cups bone broth (or vegetable stock)
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

Rice and Flavor Base

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

Cheese and Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Stock: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the bone broth and pumpkin puree over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and keep warm throughout the cooking process.
  2. Sauté Shallots: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. When the butter foam subsides, add the minced shallot and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallot softens and becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Herbs and Rice: Stir in the chopped fresh thyme and Arborio rice. Cook together for another minute, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb flavors.
  4. Deglaze and Begin Cooking Rice: Pour in the white wine vinegar and stir, cooking until mostly evaporated. Then add a ladle of the warm pumpkin-stock mixture to the rice. Stir occasionally until the liquid has mostly evaporated, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid.
  5. Continue Adding Stock: Repeat adding the stock one ladle at a time, stirring and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for 20-25 minutes until the rice is creamy yet retains a slight bite (al dente).
  6. Finish the Risotto: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the chopped parsley, and nutmeg. Season to taste with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Spoon the risotto onto plates and top with the remaining parsley, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use bone broth for a richer flavor; vegetable stock works well for a vegetarian option.
  • Stir continuously but gently to prevent the rice from sticking or burning.
  • Fresh thyme is preferred, but dried can be substituted if necessary; reduce the amount by half.
  • Adjust salt towards the end since Parmesan and broth contain salt.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan and butter and substitute goat cheese with a vegan alternative or skip entirely.

Keywords: Pumpkin Risotto, Autumn Recipes, Italian Comfort Food, Creamy Risotto, Vegetarian Dinner