Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (2024)

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Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian (RD), BASc.

This butternut squash risotto recipe is a perfect gluten free holiday recipe that will be sure to satisfy all of your friends and family!

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (1)

Every year for Thanksgiving, I feel like I am frantically trying to figure out what I’m going to make for dinner. Can you relate?

Often times, I got a bit of a mixed crowd. I have people who are gluten free and people who are vegetarian, so my stuffing and turkey are both no-nos. So to satisfy all dietary preferences one of my go-to’s to complete my Thanksgiving spread is this vegan risotto with butternut squash. So whether you are a meat eater or vegan, this butternut squash risotto recipe is sure to be the standout of your holiday spread.

Table of contents

  • Key Ingredients
  • How to MakeThis Recipe
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Thanksgiving Recipes You Might Like

Key Ingredients

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (2)

How to MakeThis Recipe

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (3)

Step 1: In a medium pot, add two tablespoons of oil over medium low heat. Add the onion and cook slowly until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot and cook the garlic, ginger, sage and rosemary over medium high heat. Add in the rice and stir.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium low and add in the wine. Stir until the wine has evaporated. Then slowly start to ladle in the broth and stir constantly until all of it is absorbed.

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (4)

Step 4: Add cashews to a high speed blender and puree. Add in milk, thawed squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper and puree until very smooth.

Step 5: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cashew cream, along with the remaining frozen squash, chard and cooked caramelized onion. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Expert Tips

I also add in lots of big bold cool-weather flavours like caramelized onions, sage, rosemary, ginger and swiss chard. It’s almost too pretty too eat. Almost being the key word here, of course.

Oh, and to make itseemlike there’s a little parmesan cheese on top, I dust a little bit of pulverized cashews that I processed into a powder in the food processor or blender.

This butternut squash risotto recipe also takes some short cuts from the store like frozen butternut squash. So while it’s elegant enough for your holiday party, it is so simple you can pull it off on a weeknight.

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (5)

Recipe FAQs

How is this vegan butternut squash risotto recipe so creamy?

While usually risotto requires a ton of butter and cheese, myvegan risotto gets its cream-factor from pureed cashews and butternut squash.

How do I store this recipe?

You can store this vegan risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-5 days!

What makes this butternut squash risotto recipe gluten free?

This recipe requires no flour or breadcrumbs, and rice is naturally gluten free making this dish great for those with dietary restrictions!

More Thanksgiving Recipes You Might Like

Need more recipes like this butternut squash risotto recipe to impress your fam at the next event? Check out some of my favorites below!

  • Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice, Apples and Caramelized Onions
  • Pecan Pie (Vegan)

So tell me – what recipes are on your list for the holiday season?

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (6)

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free

This vegan risotto with butternut squash is a perfect gluten free holiday recipe that will be sure to satisfy all of your friends and family!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 767kcal

Author: Abbey Sharp

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • 5 cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp minced sage
  • 1 tbsp minced rosemary
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup cashews soaked in water in the fridge overnight
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • 3 cups frozen butternut squash divided
  • 1 1/2 cups swiss chard leaves chiffonade
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Raw cashews processed in a food processor or blender until they reach a coarse powder for garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium pot, add two tablespoons of oil over medium low heat. Add the onion and start to cook slowly until it gets a deep golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside in a bowl.

  • In a small saucepot, add the stock and heat covered over medium low until simmering.

  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot and cook the garlic, ginger, sage and rosemary over medium high heat. Add in the rice and stir until it’s well coated in the oil. Reduce the heat to medium low and add in the wine. Stir until the wine has evaporated. Then slowly start to ladle in the broth and stir constantly until all of it is absorbed. You may not use all of the broth, but once you get to 3 1/2- 4 cups, taste it for doneness.

  • Thaw out 1 1/2 cups of the squash (you can do this in the microwave, or just let it sit out for a bit).

  • While it’s bubbling away, add the cashews to a high speed blender and puree until chalky, then add in the milk, thawed squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper and puree until very smooth.

  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cashew cream, along with the remaining frozen squash, chard and cooked caramelized onion. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

  • To serve, top with pulverized raw cashews, if desired. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 767kcal | Carbohydrates: 111g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1259mg | Potassium: 792mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 12640IU | Vitamin C: 29.1mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 8mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AbbeysKitchen or tag #abbeyskitchen!

Have you tried making this vegan risotto with butternut squash? Let me know down in the comments below!

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (7)

Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharpis a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by theOntario College of Dietitians. She is a mom,YouTuber,Blogger,award winningcookbook author,media coachspecializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications likeHealthlineand on national broadcastTV shows.

About Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharpis a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by theOntario College of Dietitians. She is a mom,YouTuber,Blogger,award winningcookbook author,media coachspecializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications likeHealthlineand on national broadcastTV shows.

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (8)

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Reader Interactions

15 Comments

  1. kalee says

    I love adding in squash to recipes this time of year! This looks yummy!

    reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      Gotta keep things seasonal! Thanks love 🙂

      reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      totally! Thanks Jessica 🙂

      reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      Totally! Thanks love 🙂

      reply to this comment

  2. Rachel says

    I love anything with caramelized onion! This looks delicious.

    reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      Righttt so good

      reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      Wooo for sure

      reply to this comment

  3. Rebecca says

    this looks delish! gimme all the butternut squash

    reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      Hahah yes!!

      reply to this comment

  4. Angela says

    Yum! This looks so fabulous, I am definitely going to give it a try!!

    reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      You’ll love it! Thanks Angela 🙂

      reply to this comment

    • Abbey Sharp says

      Yeah! Works great

      reply to this comment

Leave a Comment

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe | Vegan + Gluten Free (2024)

FAQs

Is homemade risotto gluten-free? ›

Risotto begins with rice, which is naturally gluten-free but at a risk for cross-contact because it can be grown, produced, packaged and shipped near other gluten-containing grains.

What to serve with butternut squash risotto? ›

Round out the meal with homemade focaccia or crusty bread and a vegetable side dish. I like to pair this butternut squash risotto with a simple salad, like my Pear Salad or Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or broccoli. Don't forget the apple crumble for dessert!

Is butternut squash good for autoimmune? ›

A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.

Should I put a lid on risotto? ›

Place a lid on the pan and allow to sit for 2 minutes – this is the most important part of making the perfect risotto, as this is when it becomes outrageously creamy and oozy like it should be.

Why is risotto not gluten-free? ›

Most experts claim that it's gluten-free, but there's always a chance that it contains gluten. While rice is 100 percent gluten-free, you can't always count on risotto being gluten-free. First, risotto is cooked in a broth. Broth can contain traces of gluten, often in the form of yeast extract.

Can you eat risotto if you have celiac disease? ›

Yes, risotto made with traditional Arborio rice is wheat-free and gluten-free. However, it's crucial to check for additional ingredients like broth or additives that could contain wheat in certain recipes or packaged versions.

What do Italians eat risotto with? ›

Italians often lean towards a meat or fish dish when considering what to pair with risotto as a subsequent course. However, given the heartiness and richness of many risotto preparations, it's not unusual for it to be the main and sole attraction of an Italian meal.

What is the etiquette for eating risotto? ›

It's considered proper etiquette to use a fork to scoop up and enjoy the creamy texture of risotto. Avoid using a knife, as cutting or piling isn't necessary.

What protein goes best with butternut squash? ›

What to Serve with Roasted Butternut Squash
  • Pork. These Crock Pot Pork Chops would be excellent paired with roasted butternut squash.
  • Chicken. ...
  • Pasta. ...
  • Roasted butternut squash is also delicious with any holiday main: roast chicken, roast turkey, ham, prime rib; whatever your family loves!

What are the side effects of eating butternut squash? ›

When taken by mouth: Butternut is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but it can cause diarrhea and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use butternut in large amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might stimulate the bowels too much.

Is butternut squash inflammatory? ›

Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash

It contains zeaxanthin and lutein, two powerful antioxidants that support vision. Butternut Squash's high antioxidant content may have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce your risk of inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

What does butternut squash do for the gut? ›

Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.

How do restaurants make risotto so creamy? ›

The technique of risotto is to slowly and gradually cook a starchy ingredient by adding liquid in small amounts and stirring. This technique's main purpose is to draw starch out of the main ingredient to give the dish a creamy texture.

What is the secret to a good risotto? ›

Always use warm stock.

Warming the broth before adding it to the warm rice coaxes more starch out of each grain of rice and helps prevent it from overcooking. Cool broth takes longer to warm up in the risotto pan and may shock the grain into holding onto its starches while the rice itself continues to cook.

What is Gordon Ramsay's recipe for risotto? ›

ingredients
  1. 1 large shallot, chopped finely.
  2. 4 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced.
  4. 10 ounces arborio rice.
  5. 12 cup dry white wine.
  6. 4 cups low sodium chicken broth.
  7. 8 ounces plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded and finely chopped.
  8. 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped.

Is Gallo traditional risotto gluten free? ›

It is perfect for risotto, arancini and rice pudding. 100% Arborio rice. This pack does not contain any allergens and is suitable for those following a vegetarian, vegan and celiac diet.

Is homemade broth gluten-free? ›

The typical ingredients for bone broth are naturally gluten-free, i.e. meat bones, vegetables, some herbs and spices, and water.

Is parmesan cheese gluten-free? ›

Mozzarella cheese is gluten-free. Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. Provolone is gluten-free. Ricotta cheese is gluten-free.

What kind of grain is risotto made with? ›

Risotto is made with short-grain rice varieties, which tend to be high in starch and create that sticky, creamy texture you're looking for in risotto. The two most common varieties used for risotto are carnaroli and arborio.

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