The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food: Saffron Risotto with Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto with Saffron | How to Make the Perfect Risotto

Ready to elevate your cooking skills? Learn how to make an irresistible Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto with a touch of Saffron. This creamy, flavorful dish combines the sweet, nutty flavors of butternut squash (which I sous-vide to keep that vibrant orange color) with the rich aroma of sage-infused brown butter, all tied together with luxurious saffron broth. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on risotto or searching for a gourmet meal, this recipe will impress!

Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash (divided into cubes and purée)
8 tbsp butter
2 bunches of sage leaves
1 small onion (minced)
1 cup Arborio rice
½ cup white wine
4-5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 pinch saffron threads
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Extra virgin olive oil
Recipe Overview:

Prepare the Butternut Squash:
In a pan set to medium heat add 4 tbs of butter and brown , season with salt and add sage. store in a small container to cool in the fridge
Peel and divide the squash. Cube the longer end and save the bulb end for purée.
add the now cold beurre noisette to your bag of squash cubes and only season the scraps with olive oil and salt
Cook the cubes sous-vide with beurre noisette at 90°C, ensuring they’re tender but not mushy.
Make the Purée:
Once cooked, blend the scraps until smooth and pass through a sieve.
Prepare the Risotto:
Sweat minced onions in olive oil, then toast the Arborio rice.
Deglaze with white wine and slowly add saffron-infused broth, stirring frequently until the rice is al dente.
Finish the Risotto:
Stir in the butternut squash purée, cold butter, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust the texture with more broth if needed.
Caramelize your garnish squash cubes in a medium high heat pan
Serve:
Top with caramelized squash cubes, freshly grated Parmesan, and fried sage leaves for the perfect finishing touch.
Enjoy this gourmet butternut squash and sage risotto with saffron!