Baked Pumpkin And Bacon Risotto Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• STEP 2.In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
• STEP 3.Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• STEP 4.Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the bacon grease. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is slightly toasted.
• STEP 5.Pour in the white wine and stir until it is absorbed by the rice.
• STEP 6.Add the chicken broth, pumpkin puree, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
• STEP 7.Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• STEP 8.Remove the pot from the oven and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cooked bacon. Let the risotto rest for a few minutes before serving.
• STEP 9.Serve the baked pumpkin and bacon risotto hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to use Arborio rice for this recipe, as it has a high starch content that gives risotto its creamy texture.
• You can use homemade or store-bought pumpkin puree for this recipe. If using canned pumpkin puree, make sure it is unsweetened.
• Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to the risotto, such as roasted butternut squash or sage, to customize the flavors.
• Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy texture.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat the risotto, add a splash of broth or water to a pan and heat it over medium-low heat until warmed through.
• Serve the baked pumpkin and bacon risotto as a main dish or as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.
• Garnish the risotto with fresh thyme leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.