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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Risotto

This pumpkin risotto is prepared entirely in a slow cooker, combining arborio rice with pumpkin purée to create a creamy, velvety texture. The dish features soft, tender rice infused with autumnal flavors, resulting in an attractive, homely bowl of risotto without constant stirring.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Arborio rice for creaminess and tender texture
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée unsweetened, for flavor and color
  • 3 cups vegetable broth heated, to cook the rice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for richness and saltiness
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter adds creaminess
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground sage optional, enhances fall flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat the vegetable broth until simmering, then keep warm nearby.
  2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and ground sage to the onion, cooking for another 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and sage to the slow cooker, then add the arborio rice and pumpkin purée, stirring well to coat the rice evenly.
  5. Pour in 2 cups of heated vegetable broth to start, then cover the slow cooker and set to low.
  6. Cook the risotto for about 1 hour, then open the lid and give it a gentle stir. Add an additional 1 cup of warm broth, re-covering and cooking for another 30-40 minutes until rice is tender and creamy.
  7. Once the rice is tender and the mixture is velvety, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining broth if needed to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the risotto sit uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired, enjoying its creamy, pumpkin-infused flavor.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving. Adjust broth quantity for preferred creaminess. Keep an eye on the rice, adding more broth if it thickens too much before reaching tender doneness.