Ingredients

1 butternut squash
5 tablespoons olive oil
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper , to taste
1 lb hot Italian sausage , casings removed
1 medium onion , diced
3 cloves garlic , minced
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into small cubes
1/2 cup parmesan cheese ( I like freshly grated )
toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts , to garnish
fresh parsley , to garnish
This Winter Risotto - Spicy is the perfect comfort food on a cold winter night. Creamy and flavorful, it's a hearty one-pot meal that's sure to warm you up from the inside out. Butternut squash and spicy Italian sausage are the stars of the dish, giving it a unique flavor and satisfying texture. This recipe strikes a balance between the savory and the sweet, making it an ideal meal for any time of day. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375F. Cut the butternut squash into small 1/2 inch cubes.
2.In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread the squash onto a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
3.While the squash is roasting, cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4.In the same pot, add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and onion. Cook the onion until soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5.Add the arborio rice to the pot and stir it to coat in the oil. Cook the rice, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes or until the grains are slightly toasted.
6.Deglaze the pot with white wine and let it cook for about a minute, or until the wine is mostly absorbed.
7.Slowly add the chicken broth to the pot, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until each addition of broth is absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and creamy.
8.Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked sausage, roasted butternut squash, butter, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
9.Serve the risotto hot with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley for garnish.

PROS

This winter risotto is hearty and filling, perfect for cold nights.

The spicy Italian sausage gives it a satisfying kick of flavor.

Butternut squash is high in fiber and vitamins, making this dish a healthy and nutritious choice.

CONS

Risotto can be time-consuming to make and requires constant stirring.

This recipe contains a significant amount of fat and calories, making it a less healthy option for those watching their diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Butternut squash is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. It has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and improved eye health.
Spicy Italian sausage contains protein, iron, and B vitamins. The capsaicin in hot peppers has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved digestion.

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