Butternut Squash Recipes Vegan Risotto Made Easy

As the weather turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of risotto to lift your spirits. Butternut squash, with its naturally sweet and creamy texture, pairs beautifully with the rich, velvety rice in this vegan risotto recipe.

This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for plant-based eaters and anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without dairy or animal products.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring meatless meals, this butternut squash risotto offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and infused with savory notes of garlic and fresh herbs.

Plus, it’s relatively simple to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend indulgences. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will soon become a staple in your vegan cooking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan butternut squash risotto is a celebration of autumn flavors and wholesome ingredients. Here’s why it stands out:

• Rich, creamy texture without any dairy, thanks to the natural creaminess of the squash and careful cooking of the Arborio rice.
• Nutritious and filling – packed with vitamins A and C from the squash, fiber, and plant-based protein.
• Simple ingredients that you can easily find in any grocery store or pantry.
• Customizable – add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegan cheeses to tailor it to your taste.
• Perfect for entertaining – elegant enough for guests, yet comforting enough for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 small butternut squash (about 2 cups peeled and diced)
• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large sauté pan or deep skillet
• Medium saucepan (for warming broth)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoothing squash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the butternut squash: Peel, seed, and dice the butternut squash into small cubes. Set aside.
2. Warm the vegetable broth: Pour the broth into a medium saucepan and keep it at a gentle simmer over low heat throughout the cooking process.
3. Cook the squash: In your large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced butternut squash and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove half of the cooked squash and set aside.
4. Sauté aromatics: To the remaining squash in the pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, coating each grain with the oil and vegetables. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
6. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring continuously until it’s mostly absorbed by the rice. If you prefer not to use wine, skip this step and proceed with adding broth.
7. Add broth gradually: Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle. This process should take about 20-25 minutes. The rice should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
8. Blend reserved squash: While the risotto cooks, blend the reserved cooked squash with almond milk until smooth and creamy. This will add a luscious texture to your risotto.
9. Incorporate squash puree: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the butternut squash puree, nutritional yeast, and thyme. Mix thoroughly to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and let the risotto rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier risotto, stir in a splash of coconut cream or a vegan cashew cream towards the end of cooking.

• Make it nutty: Toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts make a great crunchy topping.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
• Herb swaps: Rosemary or sage can be excellent alternatives to thyme.
• Mushroom addition: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with butternut squash. Check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for inspiration.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your broth and wine for any gluten-containing additives.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan butternut squash risotto is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and accompaniments. Consider serving it with:

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for contrast.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for added texture.
• Crusty artisan bread or garlic bread to scoop up every last bite.
• For a protein boost, try adding crispy tofu or tempeh on the side.

For more vegan comfort food inspiration, you might enjoy our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the tangy zest of our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegan butternut squash risotto is a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of fall with a nutritious and satisfying meal. Its creamy texture and sweet, earthy notes make it a joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

By incorporating wholesome ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a rich, dairy-free risotto that feels indulgent without compromising on health. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the herbs and add-ins to make it your own.

And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious dishes like our Cajun Risotto Recipe or the vibrant flavors of our Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe for your next culinary adventure.

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