Winter Harvest Low Fat (Printable)
Creamy winter vegetables blend with grains and herbs in a light, flavorful dish.
# List of ingredients:
→ Grains
01 - 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
03 - 1 cup diced carrots
04 - 1 cup diced parsnips
05 - 1 cup chopped kale, stems removed
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
08 - 5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, kept warm (use gluten-free if needed)
09 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
→ Seasonings
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - Salt to taste
→ To Finish
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use nutritional yeast for vegan)
15 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced butternut squash, carrots, and parsnips. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Incorporate arborio rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until the grains are well coated and edges appear translucent.
05 - Pour in white wine and cook while stirring constantly until most of the liquid has evaporated.
06 - Add 1/2 cup of warm vegetable broth and stir gently until absorbed. Repeat adding broth in 1/2 cup increments, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to absorb before adding the next.
07 - After approximately 15 minutes of broth addition, stir in chopped kale, dried thyme, dried sage, black pepper, and salt. Continue adding broth and stirring until rice is creamy, al dente, and vegetables are tender, about an additional 20 to 25 minutes total.
08 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if using, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This risotto feels indulgent without the heaviness, perfect for sharing with friends when you want to impress without fuss.
- The blend of winter vegetables brings warmth and depth, making it a seasonal favorite that’s easy to customize.
02 -
- Keeping your broth warm while adding it ensures the risotto cooks evenly without slowing down the process.
- Adding the liquid slowly and stirring often helps coax out the starch from the rice for that signature creamy texture.
03 -
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and avoid burning.
- Stir gently but constantly, it's the rhythm that creates that irresistible creamy texture.