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Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Bacon

Name: Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 4-6 strips bacon, cut in small chunks (I love to use a thick cut bacon, but use whatever you prefer!); 1/2 cup onion, minced or small chop; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (optional, but such a great compliment to pumpkin!); 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but such a great compliment to pumpkin!); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup arborio rice; 2 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock. (I used chicken stock as it is what I had on hand, but veggie stock is really good too.); 3/4-1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup parmesan (plus more for topping)

posted on : October 5, 2020 posted by : Amy 2 Comments

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Let me just tell you what I love about this Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Bacon. First, it is seasonal and I am really into fall flavors right now. Second, it is incredibly delicious with a lot of depth of flavor. Third, it is made in a pressure cooker and is so simple to make. After cooking the bacon, you set it and walk away. I know what you are thinking, there is no way pressure cooker risotto can be as good as the original, but let me tell you, it is really good! I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Pressure Cooker

Are you still nervous about using a pressure cooker? I used to be too. I was given one and it took me about a year to break it out of the box. Once I did, I fell in love. I don’t use it all the time, but when I do, I am so grateful for it. I have a Cuisinart and love it. If you are in the market for a pressure cooker, this one is great.

Making the Pumpkin Risotto

Start by rendering your bacon. This means cooking it down and getting the fat out. I like my bacon crispy, so I let mine go on saute until it was good and golden brown!

Once the bacon is cooked, remove and leave the fat in the pressure cooker. There is so much flavor in it, don’t let that go to waste!

crispy bacon bits cooking in pressure cooker.

Now, add in your onions to saute. Cook them for several minutes, then add in garlic as well.

onions cooking in pressure cooker on saute

Arborio Rice

Now, you may ask why arborio for risotto? Great question. Before I get into that, let me say I always buy it in bulk as it is cheaper. Those little bags are really expensive, so bulk all the way. Here is a great article from Cook’s illustrated on the virtues of arborio in risotto. Let me also say, I am all about substitutions, but I don’t make risotto unless I have arborio rice. I feel that strongly about it.

Getting Ready For the Pressure

Add in the rest of your ingredients and get ready to add the pressure. Seal your lid as directed per the pressure cooker you have. Make sure the value is set to seal. Then turn it on high pressure and set for 8 minutes. Normally it takes quite a bit of time to get up to pressure, but as the cooker is already hot, it won’t take too long.

ingredients in pressure cooker preparing to pressure cook for pumpkin risotto

Once the time is up, do your quick release. Of course, be careful as you release that valve. Steam can cause some serious burns!!

Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy bacon in ceramic container with antique spoon

Finishing off the Risotto

See, I told you this recipe was so simple!! Here is how I finished it off- that crispy bacon, of course, pepitas, more parmesan, and a little more freshly ground black pepper.

Pumpkin risotto with crispy bacon in ceramic dish

This is just as good as it looks. Loaded with complex and rich flavors. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal or even as a side.

I think this risotto would be perfect served with a pork tenderloin.

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