Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto is a creamy, comforting plant-based dish that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the rich texture of slow-cooked Arborio rice. This cozy recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, made entirely from wholesome ingredients and adaptable to your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or high-quality canned)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (warm)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage or thyme), chopped
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic, measure out the Arborio rice, and have the pumpkin puree ready. Warm the vegetable broth so it’s easy to ladle in small amounts during cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, creating the perfect flavor base for your risotto.
- Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with oil, letting them toast slightly for about 2 minutes to deepen flavor and enhance texture.
- Deglaze with White Wine: If using, pour in the white wine and stir until it’s almost completely absorbed, adding bright acidity that elevates the dish’s flavor.
- Gradually Add Broth: Add warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the rice to fully absorb each addition before adding more. This slow cooking method achieves the creamy risotto texture.
- Stir in Pumpkin Puree and Herbs: Once the rice is tender but still al dente, mix in the pumpkin puree and fresh herbs. Stir gently to blend everything into a smooth, velvety finish.
- Finish with Nutritional Yeast and Seasoning: Add nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for cheesy richness and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Use warm broth to help the rice cook evenly and absorb flavors faster.
- Stir often to prevent sticking and encourage the rice to release its starch for creaminess.
- Don’t rush the process; slowly adding broth and letting the rice absorb it ensures perfect texture.
- Choose fresh or high-quality canned pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Adjust consistency by adding more broth if too thick or stirring longer if too loose.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan pumpkin risotto, plant-based risotto, creamy pumpkin recipe, gluten-free vegan dinner, autumn recipes