Turkey & Squash Risotto

Turkey & Squash Risotto
Recipe inspired by Closet Cooking
Makes 4 Servings

2 tbsp light butter in canola oil
1 onion, raw, diced
1 cup butternut squash, raw (cut into bite sized pieces)
1 cup arborio rice
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cumin
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
1/2 pound turkey (cooked, cut into bite sized pieces)
12 tsp parmesan cheese (ground)
10 grams parmesan cheese (fresh)

Melt butter in a large sauce pan. Add onions and squash and simmer for 5 minutes to start softening them. Add rice and spices and coat with butter. Add wine and stir until evaporated. Add 1/4 cup of stock at a time and stir until it has evaporated over 20 minutes of cooking time. Add cranberries after 1 cup of stock has been added (after about 10 minutes). Once it’s done, add turkey and parmesan; stir until turkey is heated.

Nutritional Information: 369 calories, 46 carbs, 10 fat grams and 18 protein grams.

Review: Excellent! Such a great fall/winter dish. The turkey added a lot to make it more filling, and the risotto and butternut squash blended together so well. I did add a bit of salt, but that was about it! You would be fine to sub 96/4 ground beef for it if you preferred, but the turkey was a nice change of pace. I don't normally like the taste of turkey, so it's great to find recipes that have enough flavor to mask it a bit - and this did - so it's a winner with me! Also, while I said the little cranberries were optional, I must say I really liked these surprise bites of sweetness!

Breakfast Risotto

Breakfast Risotto

Inspired by Bon Appetit
Makes 6 Servings

4 tbsp light butter, divided
5 spicy light Italian turkey sausages, casings removed
1 cup onion, diced
3 small bay leaves
1 ½ cups arborio rice
¾ cup dry white wine
4 cups Swanson fat-free chicken broth
12 tsp Kraft parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh Italian parsley

Melt 2 tbsp butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add sausages; break up with spatula and cook for about 5-6 minutes until barely pink. Add onions and bay leaves. Saute until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in rice. Add wine; boil until liquid evaporates, 1 minute. Add broth and remaining butter; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally until risotto is tender, about 24 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and discard bay leaves. Divide into six servings and top with cheese and parsley.

Nutritional Information: 389 calories, 42 carbs, 14 fat grams and 20 protein grams.

Review: LOVED - so savory and filling. All of the flavors went together very well, and it was filling too. If anything, it was a bit spicy with the sausage I used, but I liked it and didn't feel like it took anything away from the recipe. This was my first risotto and I must say - AMAZING. I can't wait to make more. If you want to take the fat down some, I'd suggest eliminating one of the butter tablespoons and half of the parmesan - I don't think it would be missed!