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Excerpted from THE HEART OF THE PLATE, (c) 2013 by Mollie Katzen. Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
I have two recipes for butternut squash risotto, and I go back and forth between them, depending on whether I feel like heating the oven and roasting the squash or cooking it on the stovetop for a softer, less dramatic effect. I like them equally. (Dairy)
In the first method, you make everything in a single pot. In the second, you roast the squash separately ahead of time and then fold it into a plain risotto. The roasting itself imparts a certain extra essence—"hot oven" is actually a kind of seasoning—but the rest of the flavor profile (brown butter, sage, sharp cheddar) is the same.
The squash can be made as much as a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure it is warmed at least to room temperature before you begin the risotto.
The recipe uses only part of what you'll end up with when you peel and chop an average-sized (31/2-pound) butternut squash. Save any extra and use it for another dish and/or freeze it for later.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 heaping cup minced onion
1 teaspoon rubbed dried sage
2 generous cups diced (3/4-inch) butternut squash
3/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1 quart vegetable stock or low-sodium store-bought
11/2 cups risotto rice
1/2 cup dry white wine, at room temperature
1/2 cup (packed) grated sharp cheddar
Black pepper
Directions
Stovetop Version
Melt the butter in a large (10- to 12-inch) skillet over medium-low heat. Swirl to coat the pan, then wait another few seconds for the butter to brown slightly. Add the onion and sage and cook, stirring, over low heat for about 3 minutes, or until the onion just begins to soften.
Add the squash and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Stir briefly to coat the squash, then cover and cook over low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the squash softens slightly. (The squash will finish cooking in the risotto.)
Meanwhile, bring the stock to a boil in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, then reduce the heat to low. Have a ladle ready, resting on a plate. Keep the simmering stock covered between applications.
Add the rice to the skillet with the squash and stir over medium heat for about a minute to coat it with everything else in the pan. Add another ¼ teaspoon salt and the wine and stir until the wine is absorbed, about 30 seconds.
Ladle in enough hot stock to cover, stirring until most of the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process until the mixture is creamy and a bit loose; the rice should still have some chew to it, but should not taste at all raw. (If you run out of stock and the risotto seems to need a little more cooking, you can add some water at this point, ½ cup at a time.) Remove from the heat while the grains still show some resistance. Don't overcook.
Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese. Taste
for salt and season to taste with black pepper. Serve right away.
Roasted Squash Version
Prepare a batch of roasted butternut squash well ahead of time.
Make the risotto as described in the stovetop version, but using a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan and cook the onions for 5 minutes. Skip step 3. Add the salt in step 4. When you get to the end, fold in about 2 cups of the roasted squash when you add the cheese. Serve the remaining roasted squash on top or on the side, as desired.
Notes
Optional Enhancements:
Extra cheddar on top, Lemon wedges, Sprinkle with toasted walnuts
Apple-Parsley Saladita: Core and chop a crisp apple or two and toss with a small splash of fresh lemon juice or cider vinegar. Throw in a handful of minced fresh flat-leaf parsley. Drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil.
Recipe: kosher, dairy
Don’t get stuck in a sticky situation.
Get those sweet gifts for Rosh Hashana today!
Compiled by: Yaakov Galen, Editor-in-chief
Receiving a thoughtful gift can make all the difference, especially during auspicious times like Rosh Hashanah. Giving gifts can also feel wholesome and empowering knowing that the recipient of your gift deeply appreciates it.
I compiled this list of gifts that I loved. Although I won't be ordering all of them, I will mention the ones I plan to choose. You can order them straight from Amazon and take care of your Rosh Hashana gifts today.
Honey Gifts
I think it's "dip the apple in the honey" or something like that. Correct me if I'm wrong.
1. Honeycomb ($20 Range)
Honey in its natural form, right out of the beehive! Oh and it is certified Kosher! (Certified Kosher by EarthKosher based in Colorado and on the CRC kosher list.)
Click here to purchase: Honeycomb
2. A Delectable Honey Selection ($20 Range)
I used to think honey was just the generic tasting honey we tend to find in the bear containers. As I learned more about honey, I discovered an entire honey world of flavors, textures, and colors. In summary, bees make honey with the pollen they collect in nearby areas. When raw (not infused) honey has a specific flavor it is because the bees collected pollen from areas with pollen that embodies that flavor. Ex. Orange-tasting honey is most likely sourced from the pollen of orange blossoms.
This selection comes with four kinds of honey and is certified OU-P. Berry, Orange Blossoms, Wildflower, and Clover.
Click here to purchase: Bee Harmony Mini Honey Gift Set
3. A Gorgeous Honey Gift ($50 Range)
This company has been featured on Kosherye before and we love them. They have a wonderful selection of delicious honey and their bottling is perfect for gifts. Oh, and they are KSA Kosher, also recommended by the CRC.
"Coming straight from the Altamaha and Apalachicola River Basins of Georgia and Florida, Savannah Bee Tupelo Honey preserves the authenticity of its roots. It has a buttery texture while being sweetly reminiscent of nature's taste enhancers from these areas." -Savannah Bee
Click here to purchase: Tupelo Honey by Savannah Bee
Swag for the kids
Although they may appreciate slathering honey all over their Rosh Hashanah dinner, swag for the kids is always a winner.
4. Hakol Dvash (everything is honey) T-shirt ($20 Range)
Click here to purchase: Hakol Dvash T-shirt
5. Shofar So Good T-shirt ($20 Range)
Click here to purchase: Shofar so good T-shirt
6. Apple. Honey. Dip. Repeat. T-shirt ($20 Range)
Click here to purchase: Apple. Honey. Dip. Repeat. T-shirt
Oh my goodness, yes, swag for the baby.
This one is not for the baby obviously, it's for everyone else. Dress the baby up in cute Rosh Hashanah attire to keep everyone entertained.
7. My First Rosh Hashana Bib ($15 Range)
Click here to purchase: My First Rosh Hashana Bib
8. Shofar So Good Funny Baby Onesie ($15 Range)
Click here to purchase: Shofar So Good Funny Baby Onesie
Honey Dishes
This dish concept is a staple in many Jewish homes on Rosh Hashanah. These small practical honey dishes are a great way to show importance to the significance of the honey at our table. This selection of honey dishes is a few of my favorites that I was able to find online.
9. Stainless Steel and Glass Honey Dish ($20 Range)
By Art Judaica, With the Words A Good and Sweet Year in Hebrew
Click here to purchase: Stainless Steel and Glass Honey Dish
10. Glass Apple and Honey Dish ($50 Range)
Pomegranate Shape with Stones
Click here to purchase: Glass Apple and Honey Dish
11. Aluminum Pomegranate Honey Dish ($20 Range)
A Rosh Hashanah Plate By Yair Emanuel
Click here to purchase: Aluminum Pomegranate Honey Dish
12. Aluminum Apple Shaped Honey Dish ($50 Range)
Gold Honeycomb Design. Comes with a spoon.
Click here to purchase: Aluminum Apple Shaped Honey Dish
13. Nickel-Plated Pomegranate Honey Dish ($40 Range)
Click here to purchase: Nickel-Plated Pomegranate Honey Dish
14. Sterling Silver Apple Honey Dish ($800 Range)
Made of 925 Sterling silver with bee by Nadav Art ($800 Range)
Click here to purchase: Sterling Silver Apple Honey Dish
Tableware Gifts
These kinds of gifts are often cherished and become staple pieces on your family and friend's tables. Be sure that the design would fit the ambiance of your recipient's home. These are 2 favorites I was able to find online.
15. Rosh Hashanah Table Runner ($80 Range)
This runner is embroidered with various, Simanim, Brachos, and phrases we experience on the night of Rosh Hashana. It is a linen-cotton blend and is machine washable. This runner is made here in the USA. Size: 16 x 122” ( 40 x 310cm )
Click here to purchase: Rosh Hashanah Table Runner
16. Challah Cover with Pomegranates Embroidery ($20 Range)
Challah bread cover with pomegranates design and Hebrew Brachos embroidery. Dimensions: 21 inch x 17 inch / 55 cm x 45
- Click here to purchase: Challah Cover with Pomegranates Embroidery
Fruit and Candy Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are a classy way to tell someone you appreciate or even love them. The Oh Nuts brand has been a favorite of mine for a while, they are reasonably priced, and they are on Amazon! These are my two favorites.
17. Oh! Nuts® Dried Fruit Gift Basket ($30 Range)
- From the vendor:
- Vegan, all-natural, and no sugar added: Our nutritious dried fruit is packed with healthy vitamins, minerals, and fiber for the ultimate diet-friendly indulgence. No additives, naturally sweet, zero sugar added, dairy-free, and vegan safe. Comes in an apple-shaped basket. OK Parave
Click here to purchase: Dried Fruit Gift Basket
18. Oh! Nuts® Chocolate Covered Cookie Gift Basket ($30 Range)
From the vendor:
This beautiful Oh! Nuts tray contains an assortment of 20 decorated sandwich cookies. The gift box is neatly divided into 20 compartments to highlight the beauty of each individual piece. Replace the traditional candy and chocolates with trendier baked goods and dessert treats. OK Parave
Click here to purchase: Oh! Nuts® Chocolate Covered Cookie Gift Basket
*This is not a sponsored post. All recommended products are Koshereye tested. We hope to only provide you with amazing Kosher products and recipes. Koshereye may make a small commission if you purchase a product through our Amazon links.