Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto

This Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto is unbelievably delicious. It’s comforting, incredibly creamy and the flavours work wonderfully together. It’s totally vegan and also naturally gluten free, a perfect dish for those avoiding dairy or gluten!

butternut squash & sage risotto

Not A Huge Fan of Sage? I’ve Got You Covered..

Butternut squash risotto actually pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Green Vegetables: Lightly steamed or sautéed green vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli can provide a nice contrast to the creamy and rich risotto.
  2. Toasted Nuts: Chopped toasted nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts, can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy texture of the risotto.
  3. Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
  4. Grilled or Roasted Protein: Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even seared tofu can be served alongside the risotto for a balanced and satisfying meal.
  5. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the risotto.
  6. Balsamic Glaze or Reduction: Drizzling a balsamic glaze or reduction over the risotto can add a tangy and slightly sweet element that complements the flavors of the dish.
  7. Crispy Prosciutto: Crispy prosciutto or pancetta can add a savory, salty crunch that contrasts well with the creamy risotto.
  8. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity that can balance the richness of the risotto.
  9. Garlic Bread or Crostini: A side of garlic bread or crostini can be a great accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce or flavors from the risotto.
  10. White Wine: Since your risotto recipe includes white wine, serving the same wine as a beverage can create a harmonious pairing.
butternut squash & sage risotto

Making this butternut squash & sage risotto (or any risotto really) is a gradual process, but one that I find quite therapeutic and very calming. The combination of the white wine, garlic, onion and sage will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. It’s actually really simple to make, and watching the dish come together is so satisfying!

You can choose to use vegan cream in this risotto or not, it’s totally optional! Risotto, when made correctly, is naturally creamy and doesn’t actually require cream. However, it’s a nice addition and adds another depth to the dish. I use Alpro single soya cream.

I love topping this risotto with roasted squash seeds. Don’t throw them away! This is a great low waste tip. They make for a delicious snack and also taste amazing sprinkled over this risotto. I also top it with my vegan parmesan, which pairs amazingly.

This is the perfect dish to make this autumn, butternut squash is so seasonal right now, and we’re all craving comforting dishes to warm us up. I also love that I can make this dish reasonably low waste. I found arborio rice in cardboard packaging, and the onions, garlic and butternut squash can all be purchased loose!

If you make this butternut squash & sage risotto dish, please make sure to tag me on Instagram @georginaburgess_ or comment below! I love seeing your recreations!

butternut squash & sage risotto

Making This Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto?

To make this Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto, you’re going to need the following…

Roasted Butternut Squash:

  • Butternut Squash: Provides a naturally sweet and nutty flavor. It becomes tender when roasted, adding a creamy texture to the risotto.
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat the squash for roasting and adds richness to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for chopping fresh garlic.
  • Dried Sage: Enhances the earthy flavor profile of the dish with its savory and slightly peppery taste.
  • Salt & Pepper: Seasonings that enhance overall flavor and balance other ingredients.

Risotto:

  • Vegan Butter or Olive Oil: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the risotto.
  • Brown Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor to the dish.
  • Garlic Cloves: Imparts a deep, aromatic taste that complements the other flavors.
  • Fresh Sage: Offers a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the dried sage and adds complexity.
  • Risotto Rice or Arborio Rice: Essential for the creamy consistency of risotto due to its starch content.
  • Vegan Dry White Wine: Deglazes the pan, adds acidity, and contributes to the depth of flavor.
  • Vegetable Stock: Provides the liquid necessary for cooking the rice and infuses it with flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper: Enhances and balances the taste of the dish.
  • Vegan Single Cream (optional): Adds creaminess and richness to the risotto.
  • Vegan Parmesan: A topping that adds a umami-rich, cheesy flavor (if using).

Roasted Butternut Squash Seeds:

  • Seeds from Butternut Squash: Can be toasted to add crunch and a nutty flavor as a garnish.
  • Olive Oil: Coats the seeds for roasting and adds a touch of richness.
  • Salt & Garlic Powder: Seasonings that enhance the seeds’ flavor.
butternut squash risotto

Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Georgina Burgess
This Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto is unbelievably delicious. It's comforting, incredibly creamy and the flavours work wonderfully together. It's totally vegan and also naturally gluten free, a perfect dish for those avoiding dairy or gluten!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

Roasted Butternut Squash

  • 1/2 Butternut Squash peeled & cubed (save the peelings and seeds)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Dried Sage
  • Salt & Pepper

Risotto

  • 3 tbsp Vegan Butter or olive oil
  • 1 Brown Onion finely diced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves roughly chopped
  • 1 Handful Fresh Sage roughly chopped
  • 200 grams Risotto Rice or arborio rice
  • 220 ml Vegan Dry White Wine
  • 600 ml Vegetable Stock
  • Salt & Pepper adjust to taste
  • 3 tbsp Vegan Single Cream (optional)
  • Vegan Parmesan (to top)

Roasted Butternut Squash Seeds

  • Seeds from 1 Butternut Squash
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Instructions
 

Roasted Butternut Squash

  • Preheat the oven to 190C
  • Spread the cubed butternut squash over a large baking tray and drizzle with oil
  • Add dried sage, salt, pepper and garlic powder and stir so the cubes are coated
  • Place in the oven to roast for approximately 40 minutes, until they're crispy and golden

Roasted Seeds

  • Stir all the seeds ingredients in a small bowl until coated
  • Grease a small baking tray and place in the oven to roast for approximately 15 minutes until crispy and darkened

Risotto

  • Meanwhile, add your vegetable stock in to a saucepan and heat over a medium heat
  • Additionally, heat the butter or oil in a saucepan over a medium heat until melted/hot
  • Add the onion, garlic, and chopped sage to the butter/oil and cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion has softened (but not coloured) – make sure you keep stir regularly
  • Then add the risotto rice and stir so that it's coated with the butter/oil
  • Pour in the white wine and mix until absorbed/evaporated
  • Pour in a ladle of the vegetable stock and stir until it's evaporated. Keep doing this until the risotto rice is cooked (it should still have a little bite to it) – this will take up to 25-30 minutes
  • Taste and season to your preference
  • Stir in the vegan cream (if using) so that it's well incorporated
  • Carefully stir in the roasted butternut squash. Serve with the roasted squash seeds sprinkled over and a little vegan parmesan and enjoy!
Keyword vegan dinner, vegan lunch

Do You Peel Butternut Squash Before Using It?

If you’re making a butternut squash and sage risotto, or indeed, pretty much any recipe utilising butternut squash, then yes, it’s generally recommended to peel butternut squash before using it.

The skin of butternut squash is tough and can be difficult to chew even after cooking. Peeling the squash ensures that you’re left with the tender and flavorful flesh that can be easily incorporated into your dishes.

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