Pumpkin Risotto With Watercress Pesto

Pumpkin Risotto With Watercress Pesto(v). Hello friends. Make the Most of Autumn’s Rich Harvest with Watercress.

With the arrival of Autumn comes nature’s rich harvest – fabulous root veg, fruit, nuts and seeds – all begging to be united in mouth-watering combinations, some warming and filling, some simple and light, but all delicious.

Creamy, comforting, and full of autumn flavour, this Pumpkin Risotto with Watercress Pesto is the perfect dish to cozy up with as the weather cools.

Combining the rich sweetness of roasted pumpkin with the peppery freshness of homemade watercress pesto, it’s a beautifully balanced recipe that’s both hearty and elegant.

Pumpkin Risotto With Watercress Pesto:

Development Chef Keri Astill-Frew has taken the best of nature’s larder and conjured up some autumn magic blending it effortlessly with that ultimate healthy powerhouse, watercress.

By October we’re coming to the end of the UK watercress season, however, The Watercress Company owns and works beds in Spain and Florida to ensure a year-long supply of British farmed watercress.

Good news for us all as it only makes sense to eat more of this flavoursome leaf which gram for gram contains more calcium than milk, more folate than banana, more Vitamin C than oranges.

Also, more Vitamin E than broccoli, while compelling scientific research suggests that there is a powerful link between watercress and cancer prevention.

Welcome the change in season with these three fabulous autumn recipes.

Over the next few days, I will share them all, starting with Pumpkin risotto with watercress pesto (v).

How To Make Pumpkin Risotto With Watercress Pesto (v):

How To Make Pumpkin Risotto With Watercress Pesto (v).

This pumpkin risotto recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Arborio rice is gently cooked until creamy and tender, infused with stock, garlic, and a touch of white wine for depth.

The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and silky texture, while the vibrant green pesto brings a burst of flavour and colour to every bite.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also vegetarian-friendly and naturally comforting — ideal for a weeknight dinner, date night, or special occasion.

Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for the ultimate finish.

Serves 4

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash
• 200g Arborio risotto rice
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 5 shallots, peeled and finely diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil plus more for drizzling
• 100ml white wine
• 1 litre of hot vegetable stock
• 35g watercress
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, toasted
• 25g cold butter

 For The Pesto:

• 50g vegetarian parmesan
• *50g pine nuts, toasted
• 50g watercress
• 75ml olive oil

Pumpkin Risotto With Watercress Pesto:

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.  Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds and chop into 2cm cubes.  Place half of the pumpkin onto an oven tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before placing into the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft in the middle and starting to colour on the outside.
2. Put the remaining pumpkin into a medium-sized saucepan and cover with cold water.  Add a pinch of salt and bring to the boil, simmering for 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft and cooked through.  Drain and blend in a food processor until smooth.  This pumpkin puree will be stirred through the risotto to give it a good colour and flavour.
3. Next make the pesto by blending together the parmesan, pine nuts and watercress before slowly adding the olive oil and seasoning to taste.
4. Take a large frying pan or wok and place on a medium heat.  Add a tablespoon of olive oil and throw in the diced shallots and garlic along with a pinch of salt.  Fry gently for a few minutes, being careful not to allow the shallots to colour or burn.  Add in the risotto rice and continue to fry for a further few minutes before adding in the white wine.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir the rice and shallot mixture until almost all the wine has been absorbed.
5. Use a ladle or small jug to pour one-quarter of the vegetable stock into the pan and cook until the liquid has been absorbed, stirring frequently.  Repeat until all the liquid has been used up which should take around 20 minutes.  Check that the rice is cooked through and add a splash more water if necessary.

Finally:

Finally stir in the watercress, pumpkin puree, diced roast pumpkin and cold butter then season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Spoon the risotto into four bowls, scatter over the pumpkins seeds and finally drizzle generously with watercress pesto.  Serve and enjoy!

So what do you think of this Pumpkin Risotto With Watercress Pesto recipe?

Do you fancy trying it?

These recipes were created by development chef Keri Astill-Frew.  Keri has worked in top restaurants across the UK including a Michelin star hotel in Lancashire and a variety of fine dining restaurants and gastro-pubs in Dorset and Sussex. 

She is passionate about watercress, both as an ingredient and for its fantastic health benefits and is devoted to developing new and delicious ways for you to incorporate more of it into your diet.  

For more information and many more recipes please visit The Watercress Company or Watercress.

Recipe Photography Credits: Lara Jane Thorpe.

You Might Also Like:

Firstly, Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower With Puy Lentils, Halloumi And Watercress.

Fancy trying out this Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower with Puy Lentils, Halloumi and Watercress recipe?

Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower With Puy Lentils, Halloumi And Watercress.

Secondly, Indonesian Gado Gado Salad With Crunchy Tiger Prawns And Selada Air.

So do you fancy making an Indonesian Gado Gado Salad with Crunchy Tiger Prawns and Selada Air (watercress)?

Indonesian Gado Gado Salad With Crunchy Tiger Prawns And Selada Air.

Thirdly, Roast Chicken And Wild Mushroom Watercress Salad With Pine Nuts And Raisins. Love Watercress?

How about trying this tasty salad? Roast Chicken And Wild Mushroom Watercress Salad With Pine Nuts And Raisins.

Scallops Grilled With Hazelnut Butter, Watercress And Pea Shoots:

Fourthly, Scallops Grilled With Hazelnut Butter, Watercress And Pea Shoots.

Are you also looking for Valentine’s Day dinner starter? How about making some of these Scallops Grilled With Hazelnut Butter, Watercress And Pea Shoots? So tasty.

Scallops Grilled with Hazelnut Butter, Watercress and Pea Shoots.

17 Tasty Pumpkin Recipes For You To Try This October:

Fifth, 17 Tasty Pumpkin Recipes For You To Try This October.

October is the perfect time to embrace the flavours of autumn, and what better way to do that than with 17 tasty pumpkin recipes?

From savoury dishes to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Also, Get The Recipes Here: 17 Tasty Pumpkin Recipes For You To Try This October.

Last But Not Least, Rack Of Lamb With Hasselback Potatoes, Winter Brassicas And Red Wine Sauce.

Over the next few days I will be sharing the recipes with you, starting with the Rack of lamb with Hasselback potatoes, winter brassicas and red wine sauce.

Now all you have to do is dim the lights, turn on the music and let the evening take its course!

Rack Of Lamb With Hasselback Potatoes, Winter Brassicas And Red Wine Sauce.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Finally, I also hope you like this post? If so, why not follow along so you never miss a post?

At the same time, remember you can also share your thoughts here too in the comments below.

Also Visit My Halloween Pinterest Board.

I have created a Halloween Pinterest board that captures the spooky spirit of the season with a blend of eerie elegance and festive fun!

So pin me for creative DIY costume ideas. Pumpkin carving inspiration, and spine-chilling decor—from haunted house setups to ghostly garlands.

Also, include eerie dessert recipes, from creepy cupcakes to haunted cookies, perfect for Halloween parties. Add a touch of magic with DIY spell books, potion bottles, and enchanting wreaths.

Whether you’re looking for frightful crafts or kid-friendly activities, this board will offer all the ideas needed to make your Halloween celebration unforgettable! 

Get The Ideas Here: Halloween Pinterest Board.

Claire Justine

Hi, I am Claire and I created Claire Justine in 2011. I hope you enjoy reading my posts as much as I love writing them.

Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.

Claire Justine Oxox- Over 50s Lifestyle Blog. You can also read more about me on my Over 50s Lifestyle Blog Page.

Find me on: Web | Facebook