Description
This Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender pumpkin cubes with aromatic herbs and spices. Using the Instant Pot, this risotto recipe is both convenient and quick, delivering a perfect balance of earthy pumpkin, savory Parmesan, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Ideal for a comforting fall meal or an elegant side dish, it serves four with rich, velvety texture and delightful taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup very finely chopped onions
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Arborio rice (not cooked)
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 lb uncooked pumpkin (peeled, seeded and diced in 1/2-inch cubes)
Herbs and Spices
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Saute preparation: Select the SAUTE function on the Instant Pot and wait until it’s heated. Add the olive oil, diced onions, and half of the pumpkin pieces. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the onions and start cooking the pumpkin.
- Add herbs and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ground pepper. Cook the mixture for 1 more minute to release the aromatic flavors.
- Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir continuously for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains, which enhances their flavor and texture in the finished risotto.
- Add wine and evaporate: Pour in the white wine and using a wooden spoon stir constantly until all the wine has evaporated, approximately 1-2 minutes. This step imparts acidity and depth to the dish.
- Cancel SAUTE function: Turn off the SAUTE mode to prepare for pressure cooking.
- Pressure cooking preparation: Add the vegetable broth and the remaining pumpkin pieces to the pot. Secure the Instant Pot lid by closing and locking it, then set the valve to sealing to prepare for pressure cooking.
- Pressure cook the risotto: Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. It will take about 10-14 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
- Release pressure: When the cooking ends, perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting carefully. Wait until the pressure is fully released before opening the lid.
- Finish with cheese and butter: Open the lid and add the unsalted butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the risotto. Stir thoroughly to blend the cheese and butter into a creamy consistency.
- Adjust consistency: If the risotto is too watery, turn on the SAUTE function and cook for a few more minutes to reduce liquid or add more cheese to thicken. If the risotto is too thick, add additional broth or water, stir well, and cook for a few minutes to loosen the texture.
- Season to taste: Taste the risotto and adjust salt and pepper or other seasonings as desired to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the pumpkin risotto immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin pieces are diced evenly to cook uniformly during pressure cooking.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan will yield a creamier texture and better flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the butter and Parmesan or use plant-based alternatives.
- You can substitute white wine with an equal amount of broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Stirring after pressure cooking is essential to develop the creamy risotto consistency.
- This recipe is easily adaptable for a vegetarian diet by using vegetable broth.
- Be mindful of salt levels if using chicken broth, which may be saltier than vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pumpkin Risotto, Instant Pot Risotto, Fall Recipes, Italian Comfort Food, Easy Risotto, Pumpkin Recipes
