Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy risotto with tender pieces of butternut squash, saffron, fresh sage and Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups chopped butternut squash
1 teaspoon saffron threads
2 cups Italian Arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh sage leaves
1/2 cup lightly toasted squash or pumpkin seeds {optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Heat the butter and oil together on medium-high heat in a large, heavy skillet. Add the onion. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until softened.
2. Stir in the squash and saffron. Cook 4 minutes more.
3. Add the rice. Stir to coat evenly with the vegetables.
4. Stir in the wine. Cook, stirring constantly, until the wine is almost completely absorbed, about 5 minutes.
5. Gradually add the broth 1/2 cup at a time. Continue cooking at a steady simmer, stirring until the broth is absorbed by the rice before adding more broth. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is creamy and firm but not hard in the center, about 20 to 30 minutes total cooking time.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and sage leaves.
7. Serve garnished with toasted squash or pumpkin seeds, if desired.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of www.butterball.com.