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Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Bacon & Parmesan - A close-up shot of a bowl of golden pumpkin risotto topped with crispy bacon and flakes of Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Bacon & Parmesan

A rich, velvety autumn-inspired risotto featuring sweet pumpkin puree, salty bacon bits, and aged Parmesan cheese.

  • Total Time: PT50M
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 cups Arborio rice
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
45 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 quart chicken or vegetable stock, kept warm
1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
1 medium shallot, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (optional)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the bacon fat. Sauté the minced shallots and garlic over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 3: Increase heat to medium. Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to toast the grains until the edges are slightly translucent.
Step 4: Pour in the white wine and stir until the liquid is almost completely absorbed by the rice.
Step 5: Begin adding the warm stock one ladleful (about 1/2 cup) at a time. Stir frequently and wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladleful.
Step 6: Continue this process for 18-22 minutes until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
Step 7: Stir in the pumpkin puree and the chopped sage. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the pumpkin to heat through and meld with the rice.
Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese until the risotto is creamy and glossy.
Step 9: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon and cheese.
Step 10: Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with the reserved crispy bacon and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Always keep your stock warm on the stove; adding cold stock to the rice will slow down the cooking process and affect the creaminess.

  • Prep Time: PT15M
  • Cook Time: PT35M
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pumpkin risotto, bacon risotto, autumn recipes, comfort food, Italian main dish

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