Simple, yet stylish, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s pumpkin risotto with crispy sage takes no time to cook.
Ingredients
For the pumpkin risotto
- 570ml/1 pint vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 12 fresh sage leaves, chopped finely
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 170g/6oz arborio rice
- 250g/9oz pumpkin or butternut squash, diced small
- 50g/2oz butter
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the crispy sage
- 12-16 fresh sage leaves
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
To garnish
- piece fresh Parmesan, or vegetarian Parmesan-style grating cheese (optional)
Method
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Heat the stock until almost boiling and then keep over a very low heat. In a separate heavy-based saucepan fry the onion in the oil over a low heat until soft but not browned. Add the chopped sage and cook for a couple more minutes.
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Add the rice and mix well for a few seconds to coat the grains with oil, then pour in one-third of the stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until almost all the stock is absorbed. Add the pumpkin or squash and a little more stock, and continue to simmer gently until the stock is absorbed.
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From then on add more stock a little at a time, until the pumpkin is soft and the rice nicely al dente (has a little bite to it). You may not need all the stock, but the texture should be loose and creamy.
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When the risotto is almost ready, heat the sunflower oil in a small pan and quickly fry the sage leaves until crispy – it only takes a matter of seconds.
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Stir the butter into the risotto, and season well with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 bowls and sprinkle a few crispy sage leaves over each portion. Bring the cheese and a grater to the table for your guests to serve themselves.