Squash, Rosemary & Pine Nut Risotto
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Total: 50 mins
A rich vegan risotto made with tender roasted squash and two types of leek, including wild, garlicky three-cornered leeks. Flavoured with rosemary, lemon zest and splash of soya cream, topped with the buttery crunch of toasted pine nuts.
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818 kcal
(per portion)
Ingredients you'll need
  • 2 butternut squash
  • 4 leeks
  • 100g three-cornered leeks
  • A handful of rosemary, leaves only
  • 2 vegetable stock cube
  • 400g risotto rice
  • 50g pine nuts
  • 2 lemon
  • 100g peppery salad mix
  • 1 x 20cl soya cream
From your kitchen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 850ml boiling water
You'll need
  • Vegetable peeler (optional)
  • Roasting tin
  • Measuring jug
  • Large pan
  • Small frying pan
Step by step this way
  • 1.

    Preheat your oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Halve and chop the squash into 1-2cm cubes, discarding the seeds (no need to peel unless you want to). Pop in a roasting tin and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season. Roast for 30 mins till tender and a little charred. When it’s ready, turn the oven off to keep the squash warm while the risotto cooks.

  • 2.

    While the squash roasts, fill your kettle and boil it. Trim the leeks. Halve, rinse and finely slice them. Rinse the three-cornered leeks and finely chop them. Finely chop the rosemary leaves.

  • 3.

    Crumble the stock cube into a heatproof jug and stir in 850ml boiling water to dissolve it.

  • 4.

    Warm ½ tbsp olive oil in a large pan. Add the leeks. Season with a pinch of pepper. Fry over a gentle heat for about 5 mins. Keep stirring so they don’t pick up too much colour. Add the three-cornered leeks and most of the rosemary (keep a little back for garnishing), and fry for another 1-2 mins.

  • 5.

    Stir the risotto rice into the leeks. Add a splash of hot stock, about 100-150ml. Cook over a medium heat till the rice has absorbed the stock. Stir every 2-3 mins while the risotto is cooking.

  • 6.

    Keeping adding the stock a splash at a time. Stir and let the rice absorb it before you add the next ladle. Carry on till you’ve used almost all the stock and have around 100ml left.

  • 7.

    While the risotto cooks, set a small frying pan on the heat. Toast the pine nuts for 2-3 mins till golden. Tip into a bowl.

  • 8.

    Zest and juice the lemon. Whisk 1 tbsp lemon juice with ½ tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss with the salad leaves to dress them.

  • 9.

    Remove the squash from the oven. Mash half of the squash with a fork till you have a chunky purée. Stir the squash, lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice into the risotto with half the soya cream. Taste and add more lemon, cream, salt or pepper if needed. Add a little remaining stock to loosen the risotto if necessary. Spoon the risotto into warm bowls and top with the pine nuts and remaining rosemary to serve.

  • Tip

    Dairy-Free Decadence
    Your extra soya cream will keep in the fridge for a few days, and is a great way to add a splash of vegan richness to warming winter soups and stews. Need a few cosy ideas in the recipe department? Why not step-by-step this way... abelandcole.co.uk/recipes

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