Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (700g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • ½ tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) Arborio rice
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium (110g) shallot, finely minced
  • 3 cloves (15g) garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine
  • 5 cups (1.2L) vegetable broth
  • ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp (30g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 8-10 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan. Roast for 25–30 minutes until edges are mahogany-colored and tender. Transfer to a blender with a splash of vegetable broth and process until smooth.
  2. Melt 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Sauté shallots for 3 minutes until translucent, then stir in garlic and Arborio rice. Toast the rice for 2 minutes until edges are translucent. Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring every 2-3 minutes. Halfway through the broth (approximately 15 minutes in), stir in the roasted squash puree.
  4. Once rice is al dente, remove from heat. Vigorously stir in cold cubed butter, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice to create a glossy emulsion. Cover and let rest for 2 minutes.
  5. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry sage leaves for 30 seconds per side until crisp. Drain on paper towels and use for garnish.