Creamy Vegan Pumpkin & Pistachio Risotto

This risotto is the definition of fall comfort food. It’s vegan, gluten free, oil free, and gets its creamy consistency from JEM Organics Pistachio Ginseng Cashew Butter. The fall flavors of pumpkin and thyme pair perfectly with the rich pistachio and earthy ginseng. All the creaminess comes from JEM, so there’s no need for traditional butter and cheese, making this risotto an unassuming healthier comfort food option. These flavor pairings were made for each other!

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin & Pistachio Risotto Recipe by Vibing Vegans (@vibing_vegans)

Ingredients

Risotto

• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 3-4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups arborio rice
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée
• ¼ cup JEM Organics Pistachio Ginseng Cashew Butter
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed pistachios, for topping
• Vegan parmesan, for topping
• Balsamic Mushrooms, optional topping

Balsamic Mushrooms

• 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce (tamari if gluten free)
• Splash of white wine

Directions

Risotto

1. Place a small amount of water or broth in a non-stick pan on med/high heat. You can also use 1-2 tsp olive oil if you prefer.
2. Once the pan is hot, add the onions and garlic.
3. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 mins.
4. Add the rice and mix for 1 min.
5. Lower the heat to med/low and add the white wine. Mix until most of the wine has cooked off.
6. In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix the vegetable broth and pumpkin purée.
7. Begin to add about ¼-½ cup of liquid at a time to the rice. Keep it at a low simmer and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Only add more liquid once the previous amount has been absorbed.
8. Continue this process until you’ve used up all the broth/pumpkin mixture. It will take about 30-35 mins. You can taste the rice to make sure it is cooked through– it should be al dente (slightly undercooked).
9. Lower the heat and fold in the JEM pistachio ginseng cashew butter, dried thyme, ginger, salt & pepper.
10. Serve with crushed pistachios, vegan parmesan, and balsamic mushrooms (recipe below).

Balsamic Mushrooms

1. Chop mushrooms.
2. Add to a non-stick pan on med/high heat. (Use olive oil if preferred)
3. Cook for 10-12 mins or until all their liquid is almost evaporated.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar & soy sauce and mix to coat all the mushrooms.
5. Let them cook without mixing until they begin to sizzle.
6. Use white wine, water, or broth to deglaze them.
7. Remove from heat and serve.

Note: Serves 4