Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto: A Healthy & Hearty Gluten-Free Fall Delight

Discover the ultimate plant-based comfort food with this easy, creamy, gluten-free, and vegan risotto, beautifully crafted with fluffy quinoa and sweet roasted butternut squash. It’s the perfect dish for a wholesome fall meal or an impressive side that will elevate any table.

There are small, simple pleasures in life that bring an unexpected touch of luxury to our daily routines. Just yesterday, Dan and I unwrapped a brand new set of silverware, and I must confess, every meal eaten with them has felt like a special occasion. We finally decided to replace our old set after a prolonged, fruitless search for our missing tablespoons – they seemed to have vanished, perhaps to join a whimsical Broadway musical, à la Beauty & The Beast.

The feeling of holding a pristine, new fork in my hand is akin to slipping into fresh bedsheets or pulling on a pair of crisp new socks; it’s a small upgrade that makes the everyday feel a bit more refined and indulgent. With these elegant utensils, even a simple home-cooked meal transforms into a fine dining experience, right in our own kitchen.

And what better dish to inaugurate our fancy new cutlery than this incredible Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto? It’s a recipe that effortlessly blends the comfort of a weeknight meal with the sophistication of a gourmet dinner. This risotto doesn’t just fill your plate; it truly elevates your entire dining experience, making every bite feel luxurious and satisfying. So, go ahead, pour yourself a glass of your favorite Pinot Noir, and let’s get this oven warmed up!

The Comforting Charm of Butternut Squash Risotto

Mmm, risotto. The very word conjures images of cozy evenings and comforting warmth, wrapping you up like a snug blanket. This particular rendition of risotto is incredibly creamy, wonderfully dreamy, and surprisingly easy to prepare, thanks to the star ingredient: roasted butternut squash.

I often find myself debating between delicata and butternut squash for the title of “favorite” squash. It’s truly like choosing between children, isn’t it? But without a doubt, butternut squash holds a special place at the top of my list, especially when autumn rolls around. Its naturally sweet flavor and velvety texture become even more pronounced after roasting, making it an ideal candidate for mashing into a rich, seasonal risotto.

This delightful risotto begins with a foundation of perfectly seasoned butternut squash. We roast it with aromatic rosemary and thyme, allowing the squash to soften and caramelize, developing a sweet, tender, and incredibly supple texture. This transformation makes it absolutely perfect for mashing and blending into the creamy quinoa base, infusing every spoonful with that quintessential taste of fall.

What You Need to Make This Delicious Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto

Creating this wholesome and hearty risotto requires a few simple, plant-based ingredients that come together beautifully to form a truly satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need for your culinary adventure:

• Quinoa: Our healthier, gluten-free alternative to traditional Arborio rice, offering a nutty flavor and a boost of protein.
• Butternut Squash: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted.
• Avocado Oil: Used sparingly for roasting the squash, it helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. (Optional for an oil-free version).
• Rosemary: Fresh or dried, this herb adds a fragrant, earthy note that complements the squash wonderfully.
• Dried Thyme: Another classic fall herb that enhances the overall aromatic profile of the dish.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: For seasoning the squash and balancing the flavors in the risotto.
• Black Pepper: A touch of warmth and subtle spice.
• Vegetable Broth: Essential for cooking the quinoa and creating the rich, savory base of the risotto.
• Maple Syrup (optional): A small drizzle can enhance the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, adding depth.
• Nutritional Yeast: This magical ingredient provides a “cheesy” umami flavor, perfect for vegan dishes.
• Tomato: Diced fresh tomato adds a bright, slightly acidic counterpoint to the richness of the squash.
• Extra Himalayan Sea Salt: For final seasoning adjustments to taste.

That’s it! With these humble ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a truly spectacular meal.

Why Quinoa is the Perfect Risotto Base

Unlike traditional risotto, which relies on Arborio rice, this recipe innovatively uses quinoa. This choice isn’t just about being gluten-free; it brings a wealth of nutritional benefits and a fantastic texture to the dish. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making this risotto a much more satisfying and protein-rich meal. Its slightly nutty flavor also adds an intriguing depth that pairs beautifully with the sweet butternut squash.

For an even more intense flavor, I highly recommend cooking your quinoa in vegetable broth instead of plain water before incorporating it into the risotto. This simple step infuses the grains with savory notes right from the start. Once cooked, the quinoa grains blend effortlessly with the tender, smashed butternut squash, creating a wonderfully velvety, porridge-like consistency that is both comforting and unique. It might have the rustic appearance of a mush, but trust me, it tastes like an absolute orange dream, bursting with vibrant, wholesome flavors.

How to Craft Your Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto

My very first attempt at making risotto years ago was a learning experience; I’m fairly certain I used more coconut oil than butternut squash! The result was undeniably delicious, but incredibly rich – almost too much for a casual dinner. This lighter, more health-conscious version achieves incredible creaminess and flavor with only a minimal amount of oil, primarily used during the butternut squash roasting process.

For those aiming for an entirely oil-free recipe, simply roast the butternut squash without any oil. The natural moisture and sweetness of the squash, along with the broth, will still ensure a delightful outcome. The recipe proceeds smoothly from there, retaining all its wonderful flavors.

To infuse my risotto with that irresistible “cheesy” flavor without dairy, I generously mix nutritional yeast into the warm quinoa and squash blend. For an extra touch of decadence and authentic risotto experience, I love to sprinkle a good amount of vegan parmesan on top just before serving. Another fantastic tip: consider drizzling a bit of maple syrup (if desired) into the risotto. This subtle addition beautifully draws out and enhances the natural sweetness of the roasted butternut squash, adding another layer of complex flavor to this already stellar dish.

Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto with Pinot Noir: A Perfect Pairing

Few things complement a comforting bowl of risotto quite like a perfectly chosen glass of red wine. While I certainly appreciate refreshing white wines and crisp rosé during the warmer months of spring and summer, nothing quite compares to the feeling of snuggling up with a generous glass of robust red as the days grow shorter and cooler. As autumn arrives, I eagerly anticipate preparing my palate for deeper, bolder red wines, and this exquisite 90+ Cellars Lot 160 Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir is the ideal starting point.

For fellow wine connoisseurs, this particular red hails from the esteemed Burgundy region of France. Burgundy is world-renowned for its elegant and sophisticated red wines, and this Bourgogne Rouge, in particular, carries the esteemed reputation as “the wine of nobles.” Its rich history and refined character make it a truly special choice. Imagine, if you will, savoring this delectable risotto with a glass of Bourgogne Rouge, perhaps even dreaming of drinking it at the Moulin Rouge!

Tasting Notes: The Harmony of Flavors

This particular Pinot Noir is a true delight for the senses. It’s wonderfully fruit-forward, bursting with vibrant notes of fresh red cherries and plums with every sip, followed by a delicate and smooth finish. This makes it an absolute pleasure to enjoy throughout the entire cooking and dining experience – from a pre-dinner sip as you prepare the risotto to accompanying the finished product.

The wine’s bright fruitiness and elegant, lingering finish create a magnificent harmony with the subtle sweetness and rich, velvety texture of the butternut squash quinoa risotto. The acidity of the Pinot cuts through the richness of the risotto, cleansing the palate and enhancing both flavors. The romantic in me can’t help but envision myself enjoying a warm bowl of this risotto, with a glass of this exquisite Pinot by our gas fireplace, as the chilly evenings draw in. Truly, #wintergoals.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto & Enhance Your Meal

This Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, plant-based hug on a cold day, offering profound comfort and exquisite flavor. Its versatility means it can be enjoyed as a deeply satisfying full meal on its own, or as a hearty, impressive side dish alongside other autumnal favorites.

If you’re looking to boost the protein content and transform it into an even more substantial entree, consider serving it with additional plant-based protein sources. Roasted chickpeas, a sprinkle of nutrient-rich hemp hearts, or pan-seared tofu or tempeh would all make excellent additions. Personally, I love to make mine a truly “full” meal by adding extra protein and a vibrant side of simply cooked greens, like sautéed spinach or kale.

This risotto is perfectly suited for a romantic date night in, a comforting family dinner, or as a standout addition to your festive holiday spread. It’s a dish that impresses with its rich flavors and elegant presentation, yet remains accessible and easy to prepare. Cheers to delicious, plant-based dining!

More Wholesome & Delicious Quinoa Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and nutritional benefits of quinoa in this risotto, you’re in for a treat! Quinoa is an incredibly adaptable grain, perfect for a wide array of plant-based dishes. Here are some more of my favorite quinoa recipes that I highly recommend you try:

• Spinach, Artichoke, & Quinoa Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Hearty Quinoa Stuffed Eggplant

• Nourishing Vegetable Quinoa Stew

• Flavorful Mediterranean Quinoa Bake

• Creative SunButter Quinoa Fried Rice

• Creamy Kale Quinoa Mushroom Risotto

• Savory Sweet Potato Kale Quinoa Cakes

• Comforting Black Bean Quinoa Chili

• Delightful Quinoa Cakes with Fresh Basil Pesto

• Vibrant 1-Pot Spring Quinoa Primavera

• Easy Vegetable Quinoa “Fried” Rice with Edamame

I Want to Hear From You! Share Your Creations!

I absolutely love seeing your culinary adventures! If you decide to make this delightful Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto recipe, please don’t hesitate to share your experience with me.

Be sure to leave me a comment below, along with a star rating and a review. Your valuable feedback is incredibly helpful and inspires me to create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy.

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XO Lauren

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