Spicy Butternut Squash Farro “Risotto” 

Like with rice but instead…Farro! I like to think of this recipe as my “lazy girl” or should I say the less involved version of a classic risotto. Why? Because I do not need to stand over the pot stirring!

Additionally, this recipe is one of my favorite ways to cook up not only farro, but also butternut squash. These two ingredients combine to create a warm and cozy farro “risotto”. The farro is nutty and chewy and the butternut squash is slightly sweet, yet savory, and the entire dish is oh-so creamy.

Below I will guide you through the key ingredients for this dish, how to make it, and some tidbits about the fantastic cold weather veggie, butternut squash.

Key Ingredients

Farro: Rather than rice, I swap in Semi Pearled Farro for an easy, convenient, and healthy farro risotto. You could also use pearled or whole grain farro just note, they will have differing cook times. 

Butternut Squash: Can you have Butternut Squash Risotto without butternut squash? That being said, you can interchange most squash in this recipe if butternut squash is unavailable.

Onions & Garlic: These ingredients add depth of flavors and textures.

Jalapenos: The jalapenos give this risotto a lovely yet subtle kick. You can use any other spicy pepper of choice or in a pinch, swap for a tbsp of red pepper flakes.

Half & Half: I enjoy including half and half because it aids in creating a silky smooth and creamy sauce. Option to swap the half and a half for whole milk, heavy cream, or coconut milk.

Crispy Herb Topping: In addition to many other recipes, this topper is fantastic on this Butternut Squash Farro Risotto. Comprised of butter, fresh sage leaves, and cilantro it is a garnish that elevates the meal. Interested in seeing Crispy Herb Toppings used with other recipes? Check out my recipe Roasted Sheet Pan Veggies with a Chestnut Topping.

How to make Spicy Butternut Squash Farro “Risotto”

Roast Butternut Squash

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 

In a large bowl, coat butternut squash cubes with avocado oil. 

Evenly place squash over a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35min.

Once the butternut squash finishes cooking, add it and 1 cup of water to a blender and blend until the squash is smooth. You could also use an immersion blender (hand blender) for blending. Set the butternut squash mixture aside. 

It is possible to prep the squash up to a day in advance.

Make Risotto 

In a dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter on medium heat. Add onion and saute for 3 to 5 min.

Turn the stove to medium-low heat (to prevent garlic from burning) and add garlic and jalapeno. Continue to sauté for another 3 to 5 min.

Add rinsed farro, butternut squash mixture, half and half, salt, and pepper to the dutch oven. Continue to cook on low heat for 30 to 60min. Stir the farro risotto occasionally (approx. every 10 min) to prevent sticking or burning.

Taste the Farro as you cook starting at 30min to check for doneness. The farro should be chewy yet tender. 

Crispy Herb Topping

While the Butternut Squash Farro Risotto is cooking, melt salted butter in a frying pan on medium heat. Add herbs and crisp for 3 to 5 min.

Set aside and sprinkle the crispy herb topping over the risotto before serving.

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Butternut Squash

What is it?

This 2 to 3-pound veggie is a type of winter squash. This veggie is related to pumpkins, tastes slightly sweet, and nutty, and can be cooked into a variety of dishes.

Cooking Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is marvelous in risotto, soups, salads, and sandwiches, among many other dishes. It can also be interchanged with most other winter squash varietals (except for spaghetti squash).

Did you know?! You can eat the skin of butternut squash? That makes preparation that much easier!

Like this recipe? Try these other recipes

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein]

Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder: An Easy Copycat Recipe

References:

Herbst, S. T., & Herbst, R. (2007). The New Food Lover’s companion: More than 6,700 A-to-Z entries describe foods, cooking techniques, herbs, spices, desserts, wines, and the ingredients for Pleasurable dining. Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.