This Baked Pumpkin Risotto is made with brown rice, making it a healthier option than standard risotto. It's rich and creamy in spite of being vegan and dairy free, and since it's baked there's almost no stirring required.
Maybe you've seen this Baked Pumpkin Risotto recipe before? I originally posted the recipe in 2014, and while it was totally delicious, it called for the extra step of par-cooking the rice before it got added into the risotto.
Whyyyyyyyyy would we want to dirty up an extra pot when we don't have to?!
So I tested and re-tested the recipe without par-cooking the rice, and was pleased to discover that with a little extra liquid and a little extra time, this baked risotto recipe comes together like a dandy, all in one pot. Phew!
This means that healthy and delicious creamy vegan Baked Pumpkin Risotto can be yours with minimal hands-on time, minimal cleanup, and maximum cozy pumpkin spice flavour. Win-win!
If you're into risotto without stirring, be sure to also check out our Instant Pot Brown Rice Risotto Recipe! And make sure to set aside any leftovers for these easy baked Italian Risotto Balls.
Ingredients
- Short-grain brown rice --> Because we're healthy and whatnot.
- Pumpkin purée --> Canned is totally acceptable, but you can also use homemade pumpkin purée.
- Onions --> These babies are getting deeply caramelized for super rich flavour.
- Garlic --> More aromatics, yo!
- Spices --> To spice up your life!
- White wine or vermouth --> You decide!
- Vegetable broth --> Not in the above photo, but I assure you it's necessary!
How to make baked risotto
Let's start by chopping up the onions and garlic. They're going to get cozy with some olive oil in a deep oven-proof skillet until they're nice and browned.
See all that brown stuff on the bottom of the pan? We're going to deglaze the pan, which is a fancy word for adding a bit of liquid (in this case white wine or vermouth) which will lift up all that nice caramelized flavour and make sure it gets incorporated into our baked risotto.
Once the liquid has mostly evaporated, we're going to stir in the brown rice and let it soak up the last little bit.
Then we're going in with the pumpkin purée and spices.
Aaaaaaand we're going to add the vegetable broth. I don't have photos of this stage because carrying a hot skillet full of super hot liquid from my living room (where I take my photos) to my kitchen (where the actual cooking happens) is a very bad idea.
It might seem like a LOT of broth, but I assure you it's all gonna get soaked up into the risotto as it bakes.
Now it's going to do a good stint in the oven. We're going for a little over and hour with a lid or foil covering the dish, and then we'll check the rice to see whether it's done and add a little extra liquid and a little extra time if necessary.
This baked risotto gets a little rest and then a good stir when it comes out of the oven, and then you've got creamy, dreamy pumpkin risotto ready to serve.
Pro tips / recipe notes:
- Do I have to use short-grain brown rice? That is how I've tested this recipe and how I believe it turns out best. If you want to use another kind of rice you may have to adjust the amount of liquid and / or the cooking time.
- What's with the vermouth? I usually only have white wine around the house in the summer, but there's almost always a bottle of white vermouth in my liquor cabinet. Since vermouth is fortified wine, I find it works interchangeably with wine in most recipes.
- I don't have an oven-proof skillet. No problem! You can use a deeper oven-proof pot like a Dutch oven, or if you don't have one of those, simply grease a casserole dish and transfer the risotto into there before baking.
- My oven-proof dish doesn't have a lid. A tight layer of foil over the top of your dish will do just fine.
- Is this baked risotto recipe vegan? You bet! I like to top mine with shredded parm because I'm not vegan, but aside from that it's plant-based.
- Is this pumpkin risotto recipe gluten-free? Yes ma'am. Unless you've discovered some new gluten-containing rice varietal that I'm not aware of.
- I baked my risotto for the prescribed amount of time and the rice is still crunchy. That happens sometimes. Just stir in a little bit of liquid - a cup or so of vegetable broth or water - cover, and bake for another 15-ish minutes.
- When I take the risotto out of the oven it looks super dry. Fear not! Often times a dry-looking layer forms on the top, but when you give it a stir you'll reveal the creamy goodness beneath. If not, feel free to stir in a bit of extra vegetable broth - it'll absorb into the rice as it rests.
- When I take the risotto out of the oven it seems quite liquidy even though the rice is cooked. Just give it a stir and let the risotto stand for 5-10 minutes. That liquid should soak right up!
Hey Nutrition Lady, what's the deal with brown rice?
Brown rice is a source of dietary fiber, manganese, selenium, magnesium, and tryptophan.
Did you know that the process of converting brown rice to white rice destroys 60 - 80% of the vitamins and minerals, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids? Think of white rice like cake, it's a special occasion food and should be eaten in moderation.
Brown rice, on the other hand, is a whole food with a myriad of health benefits from colon health to cholesterol lowering. You can have your cake and eat it too!
Other pumpkin recipes you might enjoy:
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Baked Pumpkin Taquitos
Homemade Pumpkin Purée
Healthy Pumpkin Granola
Roasted Pumpkin Frittata
Baked Pumpkin Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups short grain brown rice
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ¾ cups pumpkin puree one 14oz / 425g can
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup white vermouth or white wine
- 5 cups vegetable broth hot
- Parmesan cheese for serving optional, but highly recommended
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Heat a 30cm / 12 inch cast-iron casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, and then the diced onion.
- Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and is beginning to turn golden brown.
- Add the garlic, and sauté for another few minutes until the garlic is slightly browned as well.
- Add the vermouth to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift up any browned bits that are stuck to the pan, and then remove from the heat.
- Add the rice to the dish with the onions.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to combine well, and then spread it out in an even layer in the casserole dish.
- Pour the hot broth over top of the rice mixture, and gently stir. There should be a good layer of liquid over the top of the rice. Transfer carefully to the oven, as your dish may be very full. (Alternatively, I like to put the casserole dish into the oven and then pour the broth over top).
- Bake, covered, for 60-75 minutes.
- Test the rice and see whether it's cooked through. If needed, add up to 1 cup of extra liquid and bake for an additional 15 minutes (I like to check this at around the 65 minute mark).
- When you remove the dish from the oven there may still be a layer of liquid sitting on top. This will continue to absorb as it cools.
- Allow the risotto to stand uncovered for 10 minutes, and then, give it a good stir. The rice should be fully cooked, and the risotto quite creamy.
- Serve hot with lots of freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep it vegan.
Notes
- Nutrition values are an estimate only!
- Do I have to use short-grain brown rice? That is how I've tested this recipe and how I believe it turns out best. If you want to use another kind of rice you may have to adjust the amount of liquid and / or the cooking time.
- What's with the vermouth? I usually only have white wine around the house in the summer, but there's almost always a bottle of white vermouth in my liquor cabinet. Since vermouth is fortified wine, I find it works interchangeably with wine in most recipes.
- I don't have an oven-proof skillet. No problem! You can use a deeper oven-proof pot like a Dutch oven, or if you don't have one of those, simply grease a casserole dish and transfer the risotto into there before baking.
- My oven-proof dish doesn't have a lid. A tight layer over the top of your dish will do just fine.
- Is this baked risotto recipe vegan? You bet! I like to top mine with shredded parm because I'm not vegan, but aside from that it's plant-based AF.
- Is this pumpkin risotto recipe gluten-free? Yes ma'am. Unless you've discovered some new gluten-containing rice varietal that I'm not aware of.
- I baked my risotto for the prescribed amount of time and the rice is still crunchy. That happens sometimes. Just stir in a little bit of liquid - a cup or so of vegetable broth or water - cover, and bake for another 15-ish minutes.
- When I take the risotto out of the oven it looks super dry. Fear not! Often times a dry-looking layer forms on the top, but when you give it a stir you'll reveal the creamy goodness beneath. If not, feel free to stir in a bit of extra vegetable broth - it'll absorb into the rice as it rests.
- When I take the risotto out of the oven it seems quite liquidy even though the rice is cooked. Just give it a stir and let the risotto stand for 5-10 minutes. That liquid should soak right up!
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published November 24, 2014. It was retested, rephotographed, and updated on October 12, 2018. Last updated October 16, 2020.
Hazel
This is such a great recipe, Katie! This is my second-go-ground making it and I just can't believe how easy it is to come together - very minimal hands-on time! I only ever have long-grain brown rice, and the cooking time for me seems to be the same. I read recently that long grain brown rice tends to contain less starch than short grain..is this the case? Regardless, the texture with the long grain is creamy and delicious. A real winner!
Louise
Hi Katie! I've never eaten risotto, nor made it due to all the stirring that I had heard about, so this was my first experience with the dish. It was awesome!!! I went to the liquor store and bought a one liter bottle (it was the best value) of extra dry vermouth specifically for this recipe, so I will be making it often! We'll be visiting my parents next month and I will be taking all the ingredients with me so that I can make this risotto for them. Thank you for the wonderful recipe (I've also shared it with many of my co-workers!) and I just read the post announcing the birth of your new baby, so congratulations to you and your family! Such happy news!!! 🙂
Katie Trant
Hey Louise! I'm go glad to hear that this risotto worked out for you. I love stove-top risotto as well, but this is just so much easier! The vermouth will serve you well! I use it in place of white wine in pretty much any recipe, and it lasts for ages.
Kamilla
Excellent recipe that can be built on. I used black rice and added kale and chicken leftovers and it was delicious! Thank you
Chelsea | XO&So
Hey Katie, I'm Chelsea! I found your website through listening to the Food Blogger Pro podcast. I'm loving your content and your recipes look incredible - can't wait to try them out!
Katie Trant
Hi Chelsea, nice to meet you!
Sylvie
I made this last night and it was revolutionary! Apart from being delish, and so seasonally spiced ???? I loved that it was healthier for my family (with brown rice & pumpkin squash), and most of all - easy! For a busy mom of 2 it was a dream come true.
Risotto, I’ve missed you so. It’s been ages since my free & single days when we danced for hours with the wooden spoon. And now your back in my busy family life - yay!!
Katie Trant
Yes! It's the perfect hands-off risotto for busy moms. And my little one loves this recipe as well. Glad your family enjoyed it as much as we do 🙂
Monica
How many does this recipe serve? What is the size of one serving?
Katie Trant
Hey Monica! As stated in the recipe card, this recipe makes 6 servings. They're generous adult-sized portions that would fill you up with a protein and vegetable alongside. If you need to make more or less of this recipe, you can simply change the number from 6 to whatever you need in the recipe card, and it will automatically adjust the quantities for you.
Christine @ Happy Veggie Kitchen
Well this is just the perfect thing to do with that can of Libby's I bought from the American section of the supermarket! Loooove the vermouth too, such a flavorful touch. Delicious!
Kimberly Adkison
Thank you Katie! I love risotto, but never have the time to make it at home. I had some leeks and thought a risotto would be the perfect dish for them. But since I recently had knee surgery I couldn't stand at the stove for an hour. I knew there were some baked risotto recipes out there, so I did a Google search, and came across this recipe. The method is perfect, and to be able to use brown rice puts this recipe over the top! I substituted leeks for the onion, omitted the pumpkin and spices, and added spinach. It worked great and was delicious. This is my new go to risotto recipe using what ever I have on hand. Yeah, I can make risotto regularly.
Katie Trant
Sounds great, Kimberly! How much spinach did you use in place of the canned pumpkin? I hope your knee is healing well!
Kimberly Adkison
I didn't measure the spinach but I'd estimate about three cups, roughly chopped. I'm healing but it's a slow process. Just have to take it one day at a time and focus on my PT exercises. Hope your summer is going well.
Stephanie
I've been having a hard time saving your recipes to Pinterest! What happened to the pinterest button?
Katie Trant
Hmm, I have no idea! Do you have a pinterest button installed in your web browser? As far as I know I don't have one integrated with my photos, but it's possible that was done automatically when I was with wordpress.com and now that I'm self hosted it may have gone away. I'll talk to my developer about it.
TimedEating
Hi - love your recipe - butternut squash (or any kind of squash/pumpkin) is one of my favourite risottos. I used to find the standing at the stove a bit irritating until I worked in some professional kitchens and learnt how every risotto I'd ever eaten was made ahead and simply reheated (or finished) when the order was made - even in michelin starred kitchens. Means I can do the work one day and enjoy it with friends another! If you're interested in the recipe, here it is http://www.timedeating.co.uk/butternut-squash-risotto
Katie Trant
I also learned that a while ago, although it isn't a technique I've tried myself, so I'm very interested to see your post! Thanks for sharing!
Christine | No Gojis No Glory
Risotto made with brown rice...that's an interesting twist. And with pumpkin added...well that sounds amazing! I love brown rice; it's kind of my go-to grain especially when I juse want something easy to include with dinner. Have you heard about all the hoopla over high levels of arsenic in rice? I read somewhere that the safest bet are varities of brown basmati from India, California and one other place I can't remember. Lol
Katie Trant
Yeah, I have read some articles about the arsenic thing. I was going to include one in my weekly article roundup, and I still might, but I don't want people to freak out about eating brown rice, which unfortunately contains more arsenic than white rice. I think you have to end up eating a LOT of rice for this to be a problem, so it's mostly an issue for those eating gluten free and reaching for rice and rice products on an ongoing basis. Anyways, yes, risotto with brown rice! It's surprisingly creamy in spite of that, and being baked. Try it!
Jenny @ BAKE
This looks fantastic! I was going planning on making pumpkin rissotto this week but had yet to finalise the exact recipe, so this was exactly what I needed!
Katie Trant
Perfect timing! It's such an easy and nutritious dish, I hope you like it!