This recipe is definitely in the top ten meals I have ever made. Seriously. It is SO delicious. All of these flavors come together to create a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to wow even the pickiest of eaters, and snobbiest of guests. Not that I ever have any of those dining at my table, but hey, stranger things have happened!

The apples add a nice crunch at the end, and the kale lends a touch of color and fiber. The roasted squash brings nuttiness while the sausage adds balance and spice. Popping in the fresh herbs at the end – takes this dish over the top. You’ll want seconds before you even plate your first bowl!

Recipe

• 1 lb sausage
• 1 sugar / pie pumpkin – roasted
• 1 -2 cups of kale – chopped
• 4 cups of chicken broth – warm
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan
• 1 cup of Arborio rice
• 1 onion – diced
• 4 cloves of garlic – minced
• 1 small apple – diced
• 3-4 sprigs of Tarragon or Rosemary – optional – but delicious!

Preheat the oven to 425. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Brush with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place squash on an oven safe tray, and into the oven for 35-35 minutes or nice and golden.

Brown the sausage and drain the fat. Remove the meat, and add the onions. Sauté the pearly whites until nice and translucent then toss in the garlic. Stir till fragrant – about 1-2 minutes.

Slowly pour the arborio into the pan and mix. Raise the temperature to medium high and begin toasting the rice. This should take about 4-5 minutes and result in golden grains. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of white wine, water or chicken broth.

Bring a separate pot of chicken broth to a boil, then keep at a simmer.

Start to ladle broth into the rice mixture, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Keep ladling, stirring, and absorbing until the arborio is nice and creamy with a slight bite. Not a crunch, just a nice firm bite.

Turn the heat off, and add in your roasted pumpkin, kale, and parmesan. Let sit for two minutes. Top with apples and herbs. Stir until well combined. Plate up, and sit back while the yums, hmms, and ahhh break up the dinner time talk.

Tip – make sure you’re using warm chicken broth – this causes the starch to slowly leak out of the rice creating that yummy creamy consistency that makes risotto famous!

Bon Appetit!