Pumpkin Risotto with Seared Scallops

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Recipe Date: February 4, 2021
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Serve this comforting risotto with Inman Family Wines Pinot Noir.

Ingredients

  • 1 sugar pie pumpkin or a butternut squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, minced
  • 1 pint dry white wine
  • 1-1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1 to 2 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
  • 6 to 7 cups vegetable, fish or chicken stock
  • 5 Tbs. butter
  • 1-1/2 c Arborio rice
  • 2 Tbs. flat-leaf Italian parsley
  • 1/2 c. Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, finely grated
  • 12 large scallops

Directions

Cut pumpkin or butternut squash in half, de-seed, place flesh down on a greased banking sheet (skin up) and roast in 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Remove from oven to cool slightly, remove skin and cut into 1- inch cubes.Heat the oil in a non-reactive medium saucepan. Add half of the onions and cook over moderately high heat until slightly translucent. Stir in the pumpkin/squash, wine, nutmeg, white pepper, and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

In a food processor, purée the pumpkin mixture until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl.
In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce the heat to low and keep the stock hot.

In a non-reactive medium saucepan, heat 2 1/2 tablespoons of the butter until it begins to sizzle. Add the rice and the remaining onions and cook over moderately high heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the onions are translucent, about 7 minutes. Immediately stir in 1 cup of the hot stock and cook, stirring constantly, until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to moderate and gradually add more of the hot stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring and cooking until each cup is almost absorbed before adding the next, about 15 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin purée. Continue adding the remaining stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring and cooking as above, until the rice is tender, about 10 minutes longer. The risotto will be quite loose.

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, heat a frying pan and sear the scallops, season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the parsley, leaving some for garnish, the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, and cheese into the risotto.

Spoon the risotto into 6 warmed soup plates. Place 2 seared scallops on top and sprinkle the remaining cheese and parsley on top. Serve immediately.

 

 

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