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Cozy Pumpkin Risotto with Turkey Bacon & Parmesan


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  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Description

A creamy, comforting risotto infused with pumpkin and crispy turkey bacon, perfect for cozy gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb turkey bacon, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 qt stock (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 small bunch fresh thyme sprigs, tied in kitchen twine
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • ½ cup non-alcoholic white wine substitute (like vegetable broth or apple juice)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Add the turkey bacon to a Dutch oven in an even layer over medium heat. Cook until crisp, about 12 minutes, then transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel.
  2. In the bacon fat, sauté the diced onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the stock over medium-low heat and whisk in the pumpkin puree, keeping it warm.
  4. To the onions, add the thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper; then stir in the arborio rice and toast for about a minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the non-alcoholic white wine substitute, stirring until absorbed.
  6. Gradually add the warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more—this will take about 20-25 minutes total.
  7. Once the rice is al dente and creamy, remove the thyme sprigs and stir in butter, honey, and ½ cup Parmesan until melted and well combined.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with crispy turkey bacon, remaining Parmesan, and additional freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

You can prepare the risotto base a few hours ahead of time. Just warm it gently and add the remaining ingredients right before serving.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg