Although I’ve never lived in Italy, my childhood summers there often brought me to my grandmother’s kitchen in Milan—a space filled with the warmth of simmering pots and her endless patience. Those visits, though fleeting, were transformative. Her kitchen wasn’t just where meals were made; it was where she passed down her culinary wisdom, one dish at a time. Out of all her recipes, her Pumpkin Risotto remains my favourite, a dish that perfectly captures the cozy simplicity of Northern Italian cooking. It highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin, the nutty richness of parmesan, and the earthy aroma of sage. Like my grandmother herself, it’s both humble and elegant. As she often reminds me, “//A good risotto takes patience—just like life//”

Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1/2 cups dry white wine
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock, kept warm
• 1 cup roasted pumpkin, pureed
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 6-8 fresh sage leaves, fried until crisp
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Toast the rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it with oil, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent.
3. Deglaze with wine: Add the white wine, stirring constantly until it’s mostly absorbed.
4. Add the stock gradually: Begin adding the warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the stock is absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes.
5. Incorporate the pumpkin: Stir in the roasted pumpkin puree and cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the risotto remains creamy.
6. Finish with butter and cheese: Remove from heat and gently fold in the butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with sage: Garnish each bowl with fried sage leaves for an aromatic and crunchy finish.

Why It Works

This risotto is a reflection of my grandmother’s philosophy: Quality ingredients and mindful preparation are the keys to great food. The slow process of adding stock and stirring is meditative, allowing you to fully engage with the dish as it comes together. The final result is a velvety, comforting risotto that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and crusty bread.

A Dish to Share

When I make this dish in my Montreal apartment, it feels like bringing a little piece of Italy into my home. It’s perfect for cozy nights with friends or as a way to treat yourself after a long day. Wherever you are, I hope this risotto brings you the same sense of comfort and connection that it does for me.