Leek Risotto with Butternut Squash and Thyme

© Amy Ross (Flickr Creative Commons user)

 Recipe by Lily Miller

Ingredients:
2 leeks, white parts only, quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
1 small butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
32 ounces of vegetable broth, warm
1/2 cup parmegiano-reggiano cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
pinch cayenne pepper
black pepper
salt

Procedure:
1) In a skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the leeks, sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring constantly, until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. 
2) Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat. Add the wine and cook, stiring constantly, until absorbed. Stir in the squash and thyme. Add 1 c broth and cook, stirring constantly, until completely absorbed. Continue adding broth one cup at a time, cooking and stirring until the rice is al dente but cooked through, about 25 minutes (the risotto should be slightly soupy but not runny).
3) Stir in the cheese and cayenne and season with black pepper.