Roasted Seasonal Squash Risotto

With the sun starting to break through the clouds a bit more, and the days stretching longer one by one, we’re hoping that spring is well on the way in the Okanagan Valley. The nights, however, remain a bit frosty, so we’ve prepared another cold-weather recipe to keep you warm until spring arrives in full.

Our Cellar Hand Chris spent twenty-five years working as a chef, so our next recipe coming from him was the obvious choice. Creamy, cheesy and filling, this Roasted Seasonal Squash Risotto is easy to make and easy to pair with one of our beautiful Okanagan wines.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion diced into ¼ inch pieces
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 2 cups of arborio rice
• ¾ cup of Say Yes Pinot Gris
• 6 cups of vegetable stock
• 1 medium squash cut into ½ inch pieces
• 1 cup of peas
• 1 small bunch of parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 cup of fresh shredded parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Peel and remove seeds from squash, and cut into ½ inch cubes. Toss in a little olive oil, salt and pepper and roast until tender.
3. Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil until soft, then add the rice. Rice needs to be stirred constantly in the oil for 3-4 minutes until the grains turn a solid white colour.
4. Pour in the wine and stir until completely absorbed
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, start adding the hot vegetable stock 1 cup at a time.
6. It is very important to constantly stir the rice as this will be what gives the risotto its creamy texture. When the rice has absorbed the stock add another cup and repeat until all the stock is gone.
7. Rice should be al dente. If its still not cooked enough add a little water or stock until desired doneness.
8. Add roasted squash, peas, butter and half the parmesan cheese. Stir until butter and cheese is incorporated and finish with parsley.
9. Garnish each plate with remaining cheese.
10. Enjoy with a glass of Dirty Laundry Vineyard Say Yes Pinot Gris!