Black Rice Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash & Crispy Sage
A creamy, dairy-free risotto made with antioxidant-rich black rice, sweet roasted butternut squash, and aromatic crispy sage. A deeply flavorful and nutritious vegan meal that is both comforting and elegant.
950 calories
$3 per serving
$45 min
2 servings
vegan, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 400g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 150g black rice (also known as Forbidden rice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800ml low-sodium vegetable broth, kept warm
- 30ml extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 10-12 fresh sage leaves
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash with 15ml of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
- 2.While the squash roasts, heat another 15ml of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 3.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the black rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4.Add one ladleful of warm vegetable broth to the rice, stirring until it's mostly absorbed. Continue adding the broth one ladle at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process will take about 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender but still has a slight chew.
- 5.In the last 5 minutes of the risotto cooking, heat a small skillet over medium-high heat with a tiny drizzle of oil. Add the sage leaves and fry for 30-60 seconds until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain.
- 6.Once the risotto is cooked, remove it from the heat. Gently stir in the roasted butternut squash cubes and the fresh lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 7.Divide the risotto between two bowls and garnish with the crispy sage leaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
32g
fat
160g
carbs
17g
fiber
22g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is a nutritional powerhouse, featuring antioxidant-rich black rice, which supports heart health and provides sustained energy. Butternut squash offers a fantastic source of vitamin A and fiber, promoting healthy vision and digestion in this balanced meal.