Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
A creamy and comforting Vegan Pumpkin Risotto that combines the rich texture of traditional risotto with the natural sweetness of fresh pumpkin. This easy-to-make, plant-based dish is perfect for cozy autumn meals, featuring simple ingredients, wholesome nutrients, and versatile flavors that warm your soul.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups warm vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup plant-based milk (e.g., oat or almond)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (sage or thyme), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and cube the fresh pumpkin into small, even pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so they cook evenly and release their flavors gently.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic allowing it to become fragrant without burning.
- Toast the Arborio Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir continuously for 2 minutes until the grains are slightly toasted and coated with oil, enhancing their nutty flavor.
- Add Pumpkin and Liquid: Pour in the pumpkin cubes, then gradually ladle in warm vegetable broth, stirring often to help the rice release its creamy starch.
- Stir in Plant-Based Milk and Nutritional Yeast: When the rice is almost cooked and most liquid is absorbed, stir in the plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for extra creaminess and a cheesy hint.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Toss in fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix to combine all flavors.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once the risotto is creamy and the pumpkin tender, plate immediately for the best texture and enjoy.
Notes
- Use warm broth to maintain consistent cooking temperature and speed up the process.
- Stir frequently but gently to keep the risotto creamy without breaking the rice grains.
- Add broth gradually, allowing the rice to absorb flavors fully and achieve the perfect texture.
- Opt for sugar or pie pumpkins, which are sweeter and better suited for cooking than large carving pumpkins.
- Do not overcook; risotto should be creamy but still slightly firm (al dente) for the best mouthfeel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan, pumpkin, risotto, autumn, plant-based, gluten free, creamy, comforting