Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon & Parmesan

Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon & Parmesan is a delightful fusion of Italian classic and autumn flavors. The delicate sweetness of pumpkin intertwines with the savory bacon, complemented by the rich Parmesan cheese, offering a rich, silky texture and layered taste in every bite. This dish is not only visually appealing but also a feast for the taste buds.

👉🏻Ingredients list⚠️

• Pumpkin puree: 200g

• Arborio rice: 150g

• Bacon: 3 slices, diced

• White onion: half, finely chopped

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Chicken broth: 500ml

• White wine: 50ml

• Parmesan cheese: 50g, grated

• Olive oil: as needed

• Salt, black pepper: to taste

• Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

👉🏻✨DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Peel and steam the pumpkin, then mash into puree. Dice the bacon, and chop the onion and garlic.

2. Cook Bacon: Heat olive oil in a pan, add bacon dice, and cook over medium-low heat until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent.

4. Cook Rice: Add Arborio rice, stir-fry for 2 minutes to coat with oil. Pour in white wine, let the alcohol evaporate, then start adding warm chicken broth in small batches, stirring constantly until the rice absorbs the liquid.

5. Add Pumpkin Puree: When the rice is nearly cooked, add pumpkin puree and continue stirring until the rice reaches the desired creaminess.

6. Season and Serve: Mix in the cooked bacon, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, adjust salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley.

👉🏻✨TIPS

• Using warm chicken broth helps control the cooking process of the rice, preventing it from being overcooked outside while remaining raw inside.

• Constant stirring is crucial in making risotto to prevent sticking to the bottom.

• Adjust the sweetness of pumpkin puree according to personal preference; add sugar if desired for a sweeter taste.

👉🏻✨BENEFITS

• This dish is perfect as a main course for festive occasions or family dinners, and it’s also a warm and comforting choice during colder seasons. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which boosts immunity; bacon provides high-quality protein and fat, contributing to energy replenishment; while Parmesan cheese is rich in calcium, beneficial for bone health.

✨NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS:

• Pumpkin: High in fiber, vitamins A and C, aiding in antioxidant protection and vision health.

• Bacon: Offers high-quality protein and fat, appropriate consumption aids in energy supplementation.

• Parmesan Cheese: A good source of high-quality protein and calcium, contributing to muscle and bone health.

• Arborio Rice: Rich in carbohydrates, ideal for quick energy replenishment and contains some B vitamins.