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Pumpkin Parmesan Risotto

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

1 Hour

Serves:

4

Level:

Medium

Ingredients

  • ½ lb bacon, diced

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 1 qt stock (vegetable or chicken)

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (from a french heirloom pumpkin or canned)

  • 1 small bunch fresh thyme sprigs, tied in kitchen twine

  • kosher salt

  • freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1 cup arborio rice

  • ½ cup white wine

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Add the bacon to a 5-6qt Dutch oven (or heavy-bottomed pot) in an even layer over medium heat. After about 3 minutes (once the bacon starts to release some fat and sizzle) turn the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook until crisp, about 12 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel.

  2. Add the diced onion to the hot bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, heat the stock in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just barely simmering. Whisk in the pumpkin puree. Keep the liquid warm over low heat.

  3. Add the sprigs of thyme, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of freshly cracked black pepper to the onions. Stir in the arborio rice. Allow to toast for a minute or so.

  4. Add the white wine. Use a wooden spoon to stir until the rice has absorbed the liquid. Start to ladle the heated stock into the pot, one ladle (or about a ½ cup measurement) at a time, stirring after each addition until the liquid has been absorbed. Continue until you’ve added all of the liquid. This process should take about 20-25 minutes or so.

  5. Remove the sprigs of thyme. Stir in the butter, honey, and a ½ cup of the parmesan cheese. Once the butter and cheese have melted, serve the risotto immediately. Garnish with the crispy bacon, remaining ¼ cup of parmesan, and more black pepper.

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