Vegan Pumpkin Risotto

Written by
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Jolinda Hackett
Updated 08/16/19
Vegan pumpkin risotto

The Spruce 
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
329 Calories
4g Fat
58g Carbs
7g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 329
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 550mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 58g 21%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Protein 7g
Calcium 51mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Enjoy a vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto made with pumpkin. The squash adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving entree, or really, 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 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. 

Ingredients

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

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for pumpkin risotto
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  2. Saute the onions in the olive oil over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is mostly soft.

    Saute onions
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  3. Next, add in the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two, just to lightly toast the rice, and being careful that it doesn't burn.

    Add rice
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  4. Slowly add in the white wine.

  5. 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.

    Add vegetable broth
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  6. Once you've added all the vegetable broth and the rice is nearly cooked, add in the 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.

    Add vegetables
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  7. All everything to heat, just for another minute or two, until everything is thoroughly heated through, and stirring frequently. 

    Pumpkin risotto
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  8. Serve and enjoy!