Vegan Pumpkin Risotto

Vegetarian and vegan pumpkin risotto
Tania Mattiello / Getty Images
  • 35 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins,
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
Ratings (17)

By Jolinda Hackett

Updated 11/08/17

A vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto - pumpkin! Why not? Pumpkin adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving entree, or anytime. Whether or not you're actually vegetarian or vegan, pumpkin risotto is a delicious, unique and creative entree choice for a fall, Halloween or Thanksgiving meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover pumpkin you might happen to have on hand from the holidays. 

This Italian risotto recipe is both vegetarian and vegan, as long as you use a vegan margarine instead of butter. If you need it to be gluten-free as well, just be sure that the vegetable broth that you use is gluten-free, since all the other ingredients, including the rice, white wine, pumpkin and seasonings, are all gluten-free. 

Looking for more velvety and perfect risotto recipes? Here's a few fantastic vegetarian risottos which make great main dishes. 

What You'll Need

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cups arborio (risotto) rice
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 tsp. fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp.
  • vegan margarine or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

  1. Sautee the diced onion in the olive oil over medium heat for about three to five minutes, or until the onion is mostly soft. Next, add in the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two, just to lightly toast the rice, and being carefuly that it doesn't burn. Slowly add in the white wine.
  2. Next, start to add the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the moisture to cook off before adding the next 1/2 cup. Stir frequently, and continue adding the vegetable broth 1/2 cup at a time. Many chefs advise keeping the vegetable broth heating on the stove so that it is already simmering and hot when you add it to the rice.
  1. Once you've added all the vegetable broth and the rice is nearly cooked, add in the canned pumpkin, fresh ginger, nutmeg, fresh basil and vegan margarine or butter. Stir well to combine everything well, and season lightly with a bit of salt and pepper, to taste.
  2. All everything to heat, just for another minute or two, until everything is thoroughly heated through, and stirring frequently. 
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 329
Total Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Unsaturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 550 mg
Carbohydrates 58 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Protein 7 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)