Slight Food Crush

Caramelized Pumpkin Risotto

I am writing on beautiful autumn evening. Weather that is usually experienced at the end of summer, we are now enjoying at the beginning of October. But it is in fact fall. The leaves are still falling, and the sun is setting early. Normally I would say that I wish I were outside right now enjoying this uncommonly pleasant night, but not tonight. Tonight I would much rather be where the rest of the city appears to be (informed by various social media updates) - at the Kings of Leon concert. To be honest, I am not a huge music fan (please refrain from throwing objects at me). I grew up surrounded by music, but never truly caught on. I can definitely appreciate a good tune, a playful melody, or a catchy beat, but don’t expect me to know the words or the lead singer of the band. I am much the same way with movies. My library is slim. 

But KOL is one of the few bands I really enjoy. There was a period in my life (about three years ago) where I’d listen to them on repeat. Their music now reminds me of that time. I had gone on a trip with my best friend, and it was the start of something wonderful. I was starting a new life. I was discovering who I was, and developing into the person I wanted to be. Now I find myself with that same amazing person, and I couldn’t be happier. Whenever I hear “Sex on Fire” or “Use Somebody” I can’t help but think of him us - of us - and where it all began. 

I guess that’s what music means to me. Music to me is more than just a song heard, it’s a preserved memory. In that, when you hear that familiar sound, feelings you had rush through your body and your body is filled emotion, and you’re immediately transported back to a place in time. It’s uncontrollable. It’s nostalgic. I need that connection when I listen to music, which is why I do not have a large collection of artists and albums waiting to be played in my iTunes.  

So why am I not at the concert? Well, I am not exactly financially able to be going to concerts, or having fun in other words. Ha. I just moved into an apartment, got a new job, and I’m adjusting to these new settings. Once I get my first paycheque, I’ll be fun again. But until then, I need to make fun happen with what I’ve got, which brings me to the recipe. I have been having eggs and pasta everyday for the past, oh…month! I am tired of having the same meals day after day. it’s cheap and easy, but no fun. To remedy this, I decided to look at some online blogs for inspiration. I wasn’t having any luck. I didn’t have any of the ingredients. As a last resort, I browsed through my saved recipes. I came across “Creamy Pumpkin Risotto”. I knew I had pumpkin puree and rice. If worse came to worst, I could boil some rice and dump some mushy pumpkin over top. Anything was better than eggs and pasta. But to my surprise, I had everything! Well, mostly. I subbed a couple of the items, but it wasn’t a meal breaker. It actually turned out quite yummy.  

Caramelized Pumpkin Risotto:

(adapted from Hungry Girl)

1/2 teaspoon Garlic (minced) 

1/3 cup Onion (chopped)

3 button Mushrooms (sliced)

3/4 cup Cauliflower (chopped)

1/4 cup Brown Basmati Rice

3/4 cup Water

3 tablespoons Almond Milk

1/4 cup Pumpkin Puree

1 oz Cheddar Cheese

1 tablespoon light Parmesan Cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a non-stick pot over medium-high heat, saute the garlic and onions with a little bit of olive oil. When the onions are translucent, add the mushrooms. Once the mushrooms have darkened, put in the cauliflower and cook until flavors have combined. About 2 minutes. Add the basmati rice and allow to toast for about a minute.

Slowly add the water and the almond milk. Stir in pumpkin puree.

Season the pot with some salt and pepper, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once bubbling, lower to medium-low heat. Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes, or until all the liquid has absorbed.

Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese.

Spoon into a bowl, and enjoy a beautiful autumn dinner!

(Calories: 385)

Haha my pictures make me laugh. It’s better than it looks!

The only thing I’d suggest would be to add a little more water (around 1/4 cup more) and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes. The rice wasn’t completely cooked, but all the liquid had soaked in. The flavors were there though! Yum!

While the rest of Winnipeg is listening to Kings of Leon live, I am surprisingly quite content with the same tunes coming out of my macbook. But one day I will see them in concert. And it will be amazing.