Unofficial Slimming World Butternut Squash Risotto recipe
Risotto is one of my favourite comfort foods. It is filling, feels stodgy and can be made really easily (risotto-making tips). This butternut squash risotto recipe is one of my favourites. I love butternut squash in everything if I am honest. Soup, chips, and even pasta!
Making this risotto with pumpkin
If you fancy using a different type of squash like a pumpkin, to make this butternut squash risotto recipe then go ahead and swap them around. There are very few changes you need to make as all squashes are fairly similar.
Pumpkin, however, does easily go a little mushy. To avoid this cook it a little less before adding it to the risotto mix. If the pumpkin ends up more of a puree in your risotto, that is fine; it will still taste great.
Using other squashes for risotto
If you have seen any other squash varieties in the supermarket such as Harlequin, then this butternut squash risotto recipe is great with those too.
Butternut squash preparation tips
If you are not used to using a butternut squash it can look a little daunting. This often puts people off trying this butternut squash risotto recipe, and perhaps they opt for a mushroom risotto instead but it honestly is so easy. A good potato peeler will help you out massively here.
Whatever style you prefer (I prefer the Y shape one), there are many options available on Amazon and at a price that makes it unnecessary to continue using an old, blunt one.
I always find that cutting around the seeds is easier than trying to scoop them out, but whatever you do, do not panic if you end up with a few in any recipe. They won’t do you any harm.
Is a butternut squash a speed food on Slimming World?
Yes, butternut squash is a speed food on Slimming World. It is perfect for using in meals like this to get your one-third speed food in. I have written a whole post on my experiences of the Slimming World plan and explained speed foods in more detail.
If this is something you are not sure about or would be interested in reading, you can read my Slimming World guide. Do remember, though, to always check with your Slimming World consultant or on their website for anything you are unsure of.
Enjoying this recipe whilst losing weight
If you follow Slimming World, Weight Watchers (WW), Noom or any other weight loss plan you can usually count the ingredients within this recipe in your allowances.
It is, of course, important to check yourself for any plan you follow and remember all nutritional information and ingredients are found in the recipe card below. This is a great suitable for Slimming World butternut squash risotto recipe and is so easy to make it will soon be a family favourite healthy meal.
More recipes you might enjoy
You can find all of my butternut squash tips and recipes in my dedicated post which shares all you need to know about the nutrients in a butternut squash and why it is a great vegetable to add to your meal plan. Perhaps when you have read that you will see why I love this butternut squash risotto recipe so much!
If you don’t fancy this but would like another recipe with rice, check out my huge selection of rice recipes and check out my tips for cooking the perfect rice. Another article I would recommend is my risotto guide for how to make a healthy risotto in 10 easy steps! It has all you need to know to adapt this butternut squash risotto recipe for any other vegetable risotto.
If you are a vegetarian or want to eat more vegetarian or plant-based meals, I have a full list of vegetarian and vegan recipes that I think you would like.
Butternut Squash Risotto recipe
A delicious butternut squash risotto that is easy to make
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 Portions 1x
Ingredients
Low Calorie Cooking Spray
2 large red onions finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
300 grams Arborio Rice
2 average size butternut squashes peeled and cubed
1.2 litres Vegetable Stock
2 tsp dried parsley
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp Paprika
Instructions
Toss the butternut squash in 1 tbsp paprika, spray with low calorie cooking spray and roast in the oven or I use the Actifry until soft but still has a bite to it rather than mushy. This takes approx. 30-40 minutes depending on size of the airfryer or Actifry or how deep they are in oven dish etc
Allow to cook for 10 minutes before starting the following.
Spray a large frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic to the frying pan and stir fry for approximately 5 minutes until onion is soft and starting to brown.
Add the rice and stir fry for another 3-4 minutes.
Add two bay leaves to your jug of boiling stock and then put two ladles of the stock into the frying pan and stir frequently until the liquid is absorbed.
Add the stock one ladle at a time continually stirring and only adding the next ladle when the previous has been fully absorbed.
When you are down to the last approximately two ladles of stock remove the bay leaves and add the remaining stock, with the roasted butternut squash, 1tbsp paprika and the dried parsley (you could use fresh but I find dry as good and cheaper!). Keep stirring gently to prevent the mixture from sticking.
When all liquid is absorbed serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 Minutes
- Category: Main meal
- Method: Hob
- Diet: Low Calorie
Such an easy way of making risotto!