Recipe: Riso e Zucca

Photo by Simon Aughton/Flickr CC

Adapted from Celebrating Italy by Carol Field. I skip the butter or only use 2 TBS (it really doesn't change the flavor, but it makes it much healthier).

Make 6 servings

    • 1 lb. uncooked pumpkin or butternut squash
    • 3/4 cup minus 1 tbsp. Arborio rice
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter (optional)
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Cut the pumpkin or squash ino thick slices and cook in boiling, salted water until a knife pierces the flesh easily (about 5 minutes). Drain, peel, and cut into small dice.

Put the rice, diced squash, and chicken broth in a pan. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until the rice has absorbed all the broth, about 15 minutes.

Remove from the heat, stir in the butter (if you are using it) and cheese, and serve immediately.