Savory Smoked Chicken and Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
This Savory Smoked Chicken and Creamy Pumpkin Risotto is a delightful fusion that brings together the heartiness of risotto with the rich, smoky flavor of chicken and the sweetness of pumpkin. Each bite is a wonderful balance of flavors, enhanced by crunchy peanuts and aromatic basil. The smooth, creamy texture is achieved with double cream, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Inspired by an oriental noodle dish, this recipe has been tailored to highlight the seasonal sweetness of pumpkin, making it perfect for lunch or a light snack any time of the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peanuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Pumpkin
1/2 cup (diced into 5 mm pieces)
Smoked chicken
1/2 cup (diced into 5 mm pieces)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (for frying)
Long grain white rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Chicken stock
1/2 cup (liquid)
Double cream
1/4 cup (for enriching)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the chopped peanuts and diced pumpkin, stirring occasionally to toast the peanuts and caramelize the pumpkin, about 2 minutes until golden.
2
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the toasted peanuts and pumpkin to a bowl and set aside.
3
In the same pan, add the long grain white rice to the remaining oil and fry over moderately low heat, stirring every minute to coat the rice in the oil.
4
Next, add the chopped onions, diced smoked chicken, and mixed spice to the pan. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
5
Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, cover the pan and reduce the heat to very low. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, approximately 13 minutes.
7
After the rice has cooked, stir in the double cream while reducing the heat for 2 additional minutes to meld the flavors.
8
Remove the pan from heat, allowing the risotto to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, which helps develop the creamy texture.
9
Meanwhile, finely chop the fresh basil.
10
After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork and incorporate the reserved peanuts, pumpkin, and chopped basil. Season generously with salt and white pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in the Savory Smoked Chicken and Creamy Pumpkin Risotto?
The primary protein used in this recipe is diced smoked chicken.
What type of rice is required for this risotto recipe?
This recipe specifically uses long grain white rice.
How long should the rice cook after adding the chicken stock?
The rice should cook undisturbed on very low heat for approximately 13 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
What is the purpose of adding double cream to the risotto?
Double cream is added to enrich the dish and create a smooth, creamy texture.
How should the pumpkin be prepared before cooking?
The pumpkin should be diced into small 5 mm pieces.
What flavor profile does the pumpkin add to the dish?
The pumpkin adds a seasonal sweetness that balances the smoky flavor of the chicken.
Which fresh herb is used as a garnish or mix-in?
Fresh basil is finely chopped and incorporated into the risotto at the end.
How are the peanuts prepared for this recipe?
The peanuts are chopped and then toasted in olive oil until golden.
Is the rice washed before frying in oil?
The recipe calls for uncooked long grain white rice to be fried directly in oil to coat the grains.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing the ingredients?
The recipe recommends using olive oil for frying and sautéing.
Why does the risotto need to rest for 5 minutes after cooking?
Resting the risotto undisturbed for 5 minutes helps the creamy texture develop properly.
What kind of spice seasoning is used in this dish?
A mixed spice blend is used to season the risotto along with salt and pepper.
What is the total amount of pumpkin needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of diced pumpkin.
Can this dish be served as a snack?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be perfect for lunch or as a light snack any time of year.
What type of stock should be used for the liquid base?
The recipe uses chicken stock as the cooking liquid for the rice.
At what stage are the onions added to the pan?
Chopped onions are added after the rice has been fried in oil, along with the chicken and spices.
What is the recommended size for the diced smoked chicken?
The smoked chicken should be diced into 5 mm pieces to match the size of the pumpkin.
When should the salt and pepper be added?
Salt and white pepper should be added to taste at the very end after fluffing the rice.
How long do you sauté the onions and chicken before adding stock?
The onions, chicken, and mixed spice should be sautéed for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
What inspired this specific risotto recipe?
This dish was inspired by an oriental noodle dish but tailored to highlight seasonal pumpkin.
How much rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of uncooked long grain white rice.
Do you leave the peanuts in the pan while the rice cooks?
No, the toasted peanuts and pumpkin are removed and set aside, then incorporated back at the end.
What heat setting is used to toast the peanuts and pumpkin?
They should be heated over moderate heat for about 2 minutes.
Is white pepper specifically mentioned for seasoning?
Yes, the instructions suggest using white pepper to season the final dish.
How many minutes is the cream heated with the rice?
The double cream is stirred in and heated for an additional 2 minutes.
Should the pan be covered while the rice cooks?
Yes, once the mixture reaches a boil, you should cover the pan and reduce the heat.
What is the quantity of peanuts used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A heavy saucepan is recommended for even heat distribution.
How much mixed spice is added to the dish?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of mixed spice for seasoning.
Does this recipe use black pepper or white pepper?
While the ingredient list mentions black pepper, the instructions specifically suggest white pepper for the final seasoning.