A vibrant squash and pepper risotto - comforting and tasty but irresistibly low in fat.
This risotto recipe is perfect for when you’re following a healthy eating plan. It's low in fat, but still feels like a treat on a dark winter evening. The mellow vegetable flavours and the creamy, gloopy rice make it one of our go-to low calorie meals, plus it's one of our brilliant cheap family meals too. Risotto does take a little bit of care. You need to stir it regularly to get an even texture and prevent it sticking to the pan. However, we find the repetition of adding the liquid and stirring, while standing over the warm stove as the beautiful fragrance fills the air, to be a joyful way to cook. Plus, with only five ingredients, it's really easy to prepare and put together.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 250g (8oz) risotto rice
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into small chunks (or 900g/2lb prepared squash)
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into strips
- 45g (1½oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Heat a large pan containing 1tbsp olive oil and the onion, and cook for 5 mins until the onion softens. Add the rice, stir well for a minute, then add 600ml (1 pint) hot water and the chunks of butternut squash.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, over a medium heat, until liquid is almost absorbed, about 10 mins. Add another 300ml (½ pint) hot water and the red pepper strips, and cook for about 15 mins until the squash is tender. Add more hot water if needed. Leave the risotto to rest for a few mins.
- Stir in half the cheese, season well, then serve with the rest of the Parmesan and drizzle with extra olive oil, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
Top tips for making squash and red pepper risotto
Add extra flavour by frying a garlic clove or two along with the onion, half a glass of white wine before the water, or a vegetable or chicken stock cube to the hot water. If you want more veggies in there, toss a handful of frozen peas in towards the end of the cooking time.
You might also like…
Sibelle Mehmet is a Junior Digital Writer at Goodto.com. She joined the team in April 2019 and was her first job since completing a MA in Magazine Journalism at City, the University of London in the summer of 2019. Sibelle previously interned at a number of national titles including OK!, Heat, Closer, Mother & Baby, and The Times Newspaper magazine. She's written extensively about the latest celebrity, showbiz, and royal news.
-
Squash and pepper risotto
Just five ingredients are all it takes to make this tasty dish - perfect for lunch or supper and suitable for vegetarians, too
By Sibelle Mehmet Published
-
Lemon chicken and pea risotto
This delicious and healthy lemon chicken and pea risotto recipe is so easy to make at home. Plus it will take only 45 mins to prepare and cook
By Octavia Lillywhite Published
-
Chicken and pea risotto
This delicious chicken and pea risotto is flavoured with thyme, white wine and Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy dish that all the family will love.
By Octavia Lillywhite Published
-
Sweet potato and courgette fish cakes
These sweet potato and courgette fish cakes take 30 minutes to make and can be served with chips, salad, or steamed veg on the side...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Chicken and spinach lasagne
This chicken and spinach lasagne is a great new take on the family favourite and it’s easy to prepare during the day to cook come dinner time...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Broccoli pasta with pancetta
This broccoli pasta with pancetta takes 30 minutes to cook making it a great speedy family dinner...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
15 spring baby names predicted to be popular in 2024 - from classic options to unique monikers
These are the spring-themed baby names parents are loving this year, according to the data.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry’s ‘favourite’ childhood meals are surprisingly ‘normal’ and easy to recreate for family dinners
The brother's enjoyed "traditional, English food"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Compromising may be killing your relationship - here are 5 ways to reach healthy compromises, according to relationship expert
Compromising isn't always the best way to keep the peace in a relationship
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published