Butternut Squash Risotto (With Cranberries & Pecans, Instant Pot Recipe)
Whether you want a different side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or you're after a slightly festive main that's vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, this Instant Pot butternut squash risotto with dried cranberries and pecans ticks a lot of the boxes. Plus, it's super easy, delicious and looks great! Vegan options included.
2cupsdiced butternut squashor Kabocha squash or another sweet winter squash
5clovesgarlicfinely diced or minced
½teaspooncinnamon powder
½teaspoonblack pepper
1teaspoondried rosemary or thyme, whatever is available
¼cupdried cranberrieschopped
2cupsArborio rice
4cupsvegetable stock
To finish:
1tablespoonbutter or dairy-free alternative
½cupParmesan cheesegrated, or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan-version
2tablespoonslemon juice
To Serve
⅓cupdried cranberrieschopped
½cuppecanschopped
1teaspoonRosemary needlessage or thyme and extra shaved Parmesan
Instructions
Turn the Instant Pot on and press the Sauté function. Once hot, add the olive oil, onions, carrot, celery, and salt and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften.
Add the rest of the cooking risotto ingredients and stir through. Press Keep Warm/Cancel to stop the Sauté function.
Pop the lid on top, close and set to Pressure Cook/Manual for 5 minutes. After 3 beeps, the Instant Pot will start to build up the pressure. Once cooking finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then use the quick release (QR). Please note, don’t let the pressure release naturally for more than 5-7 minutes as the risotto keeps cooking during this time and might lose some of its texture.
While the risotto is cooking, prepare the finishing and serving ingredients.
Open the Instant Pot and stir the butter, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice into the risotto. Taste for salt and pepper.
Serve with extra cranberries and chopped pecans on top. Garnish with extra Parmesan and some herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage.
Notes
This risotto can be made with any sweet pumpkin or winter squash. Pecans can be omitted or swapped for other nuts or seeds.