Holiday Market Low Fat (Printable)
Creamy risotto with seasonal veggies and subtle lemon zest for a light flavorful dish.
# List of ingredients:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup Arborio rice
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup butternut squash, diced
05 - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 cup baby spinach
08 - 1 cup frozen peas
→ Liquids
09 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, warmed
10 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
→ Dairy
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese)
12 - 2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese
→ Oils & Seasonings
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg (optional)
17 - Zest of 1 lemon
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
02 - Add diced butternut squash, sliced mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
03 - Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until grains become slightly translucent.
04 - Pour in dry white wine and cook while stirring until the liquid is almost fully evaporated.
05 - Ladle warmed vegetable broth into the rice mixture one serving at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to absorb completely before adding the next. Continue for approximately 20 minutes until risotto is creamy and the rice is tender yet firm to the bite.
06 - With the final broth addition, stir in frozen peas and baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are tender and spinach is wilted.
07 - Remove from heat. Gently fold in grated Parmesan, low-fat cream cheese, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
08 - Plate the risotto immediately, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This risotto is light but still delivers that creamy comfort you crave, almost like a secret indulgence without the guilt
- The medley of vegetables adds freshness and bursts of flavor that made it an instant favorite for family dinners
02 -
- Patience is key: adding broth slowly and stirring constantly releases the rice's natural starch to create that signature creaminess you want
- Warming the broth beforehand prevents temperature shocks that could slow down cooking and affect texture
03 -
- Use a wooden spoon to stir; it prevents the rice from breaking down too much and gives you better control
- The secret is in the constant stirring and slow broth addition which unlocks that creamy texture you crave