How to Make Low Calorie (Butternut) Risotto

by Kelly M

This recipe is one of the reasons I love food.

If you’re a blogger, you’ll know what I mean. Even if you’re a non-blogging food lover, I still think you’ll get this.

As soon as that first forkful of this butternut squash risotto met my lips, I almost cried.

An overwhelming sense of pride that I had made this, let alone developed the recipe, had almost brought me to tears.

This method, the second installment of the low calorie grains method, can be used to make any risotto recipes you like, but, based on how well this risotto turned out, I’m going to be scarfing down posting many more recipes.

It’s so sophisticated, yet so simple… and just so delicious. I wanted to give it a big hug.

We’ll, I guess it’s a little hard to hug a bowl of risotto. Oh well.

I’ll have to settle for another bite.

Low Calorie Risotto (Vegan, Gluten Free)

It would’ve been difficult to calculate the nutritional info for this, but if you want it, just let me know. Just make sure you make this. You need to.

Served 2 (Feel free to double)

Ingredients

1/2c. aborio rice

1T Earth Balance

4c. veggie broth

1/2 onion, mined

1 garlic clove, mined

1/3c. white whine (optional, I left it out because I’m not old enough to drink)

1T nutritional yeast (optional, but trust me, you don’t want to leave it out)

salt and pepper

Directions

Put the veggie in a microwave safe bowl and nuke for 2 minutes or until hot.

Melt Earth Balance in a medium-large skillet, and add onion and garlic. Saute for a minute for two, add in rice, and cook until the rice is slightly glossy from the butter and the onion is translucent. Add in wine, if using, and stir until completely absorbed. Start adding in broth, 1/2c. at a time, keep stirring until all the liquid is absorbed, until all the broth is gone.

Once all the liquid has been used and absorbed, turn off the heat, add in the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper and whip vigorously for a minute. This gives it a really nice creamy texture.

Yum.

Oh yeah, that butternut recipe…

Low Calorie Butternut Squash Risotto (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Ingredients

1 recipe of low calorie risotto (above)

2.5c. butternut squash, cubed and roasted

2-3 tablespoons of almond milk, as needed

Take the roasted squash, and, with an immersion or regular blender, puree it, adding almond milk as needed.

Prepare risotto as directed above, except add in the butternut squash puree along with the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper, before taking it off heat and whipping. Proceed with the recipe and…

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

-Kelly M.

 

 

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Leave a Comment

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Tara January 20, 2012 at 3:55 am

I’m not a big fan of butternut, but I love acorn and kabocha and I would love to try subbing one of them! Risotto is so delicious but I haven’t had it in ages!

Reply

Kelly M January 22, 2012 at 8:10 am

Ooh, kabocha risotto sounds awesome! I’ll have to try it!

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Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy January 20, 2012 at 6:45 am

Thanks for sharing these recipes! I love risotto but don’t want all the calories! These look great!

Reply

Kelly M January 22, 2012 at 8:11 am

Thank you, Hillary! You’re so sweet. ;)

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Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile January 20, 2012 at 10:11 am

Loveee squash. That is the best feeling making a recipe and having it become a success! :)

Reply

Kelly M January 22, 2012 at 8:12 am

Isn’t it? It’s must be a blogger thing. ;)

Reply

Meg January 20, 2012 at 2:10 pm

Looks wonderful Kelly :) I have been on a huge bnut kick lately!

Reply

Kelly M January 22, 2012 at 8:13 am

I have been, too! Thank you!

Reply

Amy February 18, 2013 at 7:44 pm

What is aborio rice? Do you think this would work with quinoa? Or better yet- I think I’ll make it with CAULIFLOWER-rice!!! :)

Reply

Kelly M February 18, 2013 at 8:11 pm

Hi Amy! Aborio rice is short grain rice used to make risotto. It is relatively easy to find, and it really makes this recipe authentic. However, I do have a low carb version made with cauliflower “rice” here. Hope this helps!

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