Description

This creamy and comforting Vegan Pumpkin Risotto is a perfect autumn-inspired dish that combines tender arborio rice with rich pumpkin puree and warm spices. Made without dairy, this risotto uses coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk to create a luscious texture, enhanced by nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor. Quick to prepare and packed with seasonal goodness, it’s an excellent plant-based main or side dish for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Oils

2 tbsp coconut oil (or substitute with olive oil)
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 cup cooked pumpkin puree or squash puree

Grains and Liquids

1 cup arborio rice
2 cups vegetable broth or vegetable stock
1 cup full fat coconut milk

Flavorings and Spices

1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

Sauté the Onion: Add the coconut oil to a large pot over medium-high heat and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add Ingredients: To the pot, add the arborio rice, vegetable broth, full-fat coconut milk, pumpkin puree, nutritional yeast, sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and dried thyme. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the mixture cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking until the risotto reaches your preferred creamy consistency and the rice is tender but still slightly al dente.
Rest: Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the risotto sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to soften further and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve: Remove the lid, give the risotto a final gentle stir, and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy vegan pumpkin risotto as a hearty main or side dish.

Notes

You can substitute coconut oil with olive oil if preferred.
If you want a thinner consistency, add a little more vegetable broth while simmering.
Use fresh homemade pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree – both work well.
For added texture, consider stirring in toasted pumpkin seeds or fresh herbs before serving.
Adjust salt and spices according to taste preferences.