Description
Butternut squash farro risotto is a creamy, hearty, and nutritious plant-based twist on traditional risotto. It features chewy farro, sweet squash, and savory aromatics, offering texture and depth in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup farro (whole or semi-pearled works best)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 cups peeled and diced butternut squash
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
1 tablespoon lemon juice or White Grape Juice
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
3. Add diced butternut squash and cook covered for about 8–10 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Stir in the farro and toast for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
5. Slowly add in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir and let simmer until mostly absorbed.
6. Continue adding broth one cup at a time, stirring occasionally. Let each addition absorb before adding the next—this should take about 30 minutes.
7. Once the farro is tender and creamy, stir in salt, pepper, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast.
8. Plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use barley or short-grain brown rice if farro isn’t available.
Sweet potato makes a good sub for butternut squash.
Add a splash of White Grape Juice for enhanced flavor.
Try an Instant Pot version to speed up cooking time.
Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or drizzle cashew cream for a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: farro, risotto, butternut squash, vegan, healthy, whole grain