"Butternut squash risotto with sage and nutritional yeast in rustic ceramic bowl"

Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

/ Vegan Recipes / By

Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 350-400 per serving
Dietary Tags: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
  • Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Baking sheet
  • Blender (optional)
INGREDIENTS:
  • 1½ cups Arborio rice
  • 4 cups butternut squash, cubed
  • 5-6 cups warm vegetable stock
  • 1 cup diced shallots
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice
METHOD:
1. Roast Butternut Squash

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and tender.

Roasted butternut squash cubes with caramelized edges

2. Prepare Risotto Base

Heat olive oil in large pan. Sauté shallots until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and sage, cook 1 minute. Add rice, toast until slightly translucent.

Creamy risotto base simmering with sage in a pan

3. Build Creamy Risotto

Slowly add warm stock ½ cup at a time. Stir constantly, allowing each addition to absorb. Total stock adding time: 25-30 minutes.

4. Incorporate Squash

Mash half the roasted squash into a smooth puree. Stir puree into risotto for incredible creaminess. Add remaining squash cubes for texture.

5. Final Touches

Stir in nutritional yeast. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Final plating of vegan risotto garnished with herbs

CRUCIAL TIPS:
  • Keep stock warm to maintain cooking rhythm
  • Stir constantly for creamy texture
  • Rice should be al dente, not mushy
STORAGE:
  • Refrigerate 3-4 days
  • Reheat with splash of stock
  • Freezes up to 1 month
VARIATIONS:
  • Add miso for extra umami
  • Swap sage for thyme
  • Top with toasted pumpkin seeds
PRO CHEF NOTES:

The secret to mind-blowing risotto? Patience and constant stirring. Don’t walk away, don’t rush. Let each grain of rice tell its delicious story.

NUTRITION SPOTLIGHT:
  • High in Vitamin A
  • Plant-based protein
  • Low saturated fat
  • Fiber-rich
MAKE IT YOUR OWN:

Every risotto tells a story. What’ll yours say today?

Bon appétit, plant-powered friends! 🌱🥣