Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the rolling hills of Italy! This extraordinary "Risotto Zucca e Lavanda" isn't just a recipe—it's an edible masterpiece that blends the sweet earthiness of pumpkin with the delicate, aromatic whispers of lavender. Imagine a creamy, luxurious dish that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, turning a simple dinner into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300 g Arborio rice
- 500 g pumpkin
- 1 onion
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 50 g butter
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- Lavender flowers
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin by washing, peeling, and cutting it into small, uniform cubes of approximately 1 cm.
- Finely chop the onion and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it simmering on low heat.
- In a separate wide, heavy-bottomed pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and soft.
- Add the pumpkin cubes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
- Add the Arborio rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains with oil and onion.
- Begin adding the hot vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each ladle to be absorbed before adding the next.
- Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, maintaining a creamy consistency and checking the rice's doneness.
- When the rice is almost cooked, sprinkle in a small amount of dried lavender flowers for a delicate aromatic touch.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture.
- Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Plate the risotto and garnish with a few fresh lavender flowers and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose the right rice: Arborio is crucial for achieving that signature creamy texture. Don't substitute!
- Keep your broth hot: Cold broth interrupts the cooking process and can result in unevenly cooked rice.
- Stir constantly but gently: This releases the rice's starches for creaminess without breaking the grains.
- Add broth gradually: Patience is key—each ladle should be almost fully absorbed before adding the next.
- Use fresh lavender sparingly: A little goes a long way to avoid overwhelming the delicate pumpkin flavor.
- Rest your risotto: Those final 2-3 minutes off the heat allow the dish to reach perfect consistency.
- Serve immediately: Risotto waits for no one—its creamy magic is most potent when freshly prepared!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
