October 3, 2021Grey

Pumpkin Risotto With Shrimp

Risotto! But Make It Healthier And Perfect for Fall!

Happy Autumn! This post most definitely marks the start of us being in full swing with Fall recipe reviews! This season we are looking for comfort meals that are gluten-friendly, affordable, and delicious! Of course, we’re looking for recipes that are good for us, too. However, with the holidays just around the corner, we’ll throw in some more holiday-worthy mains, side dishes, and maybe even some drinks! Worry not!

Today’s recipe for Pumpkin Risotto with Shrimp makes for a great weeknight meal as it’s easy to make and absolutely gives you that warm, comforting, Fall feeling. As an added bonus, this will definitely feel like a guilt-free dinner. It sure doesn’t hurt throwing in a few of these recipes into the mix, especially before the holidays, right?

Let’s get started!

Today’s recipe is courtesy of Mary’s Whole Life. The recipe can be found right -> here!

A Risotto Without Arborio Rice–Yes!

When I found this recipe, I immediately wanted to make it. My favorite part about the Fall season would have to be the beautiful colors, and seeing these colors in food brings a smile to my face. As delightful as this meal is to look at, it is actually delicious and certainly appears to be reduced in calories vs a traditional risotto. For this recipe, the arborio rice is substituted by cauliflower rice. While I may like the texture of cauliflower rice, I wasn’t sure that this would actually work as a risotto texture. Turns out, I was wrong, which is great news.

The cauliflower rice is seasoned perfectly and thickened by the cashew mixture. Once the cauliflower rice cooks completely and absorbs the spices, you’ll find yourself surprised with how good it tastes. The texture doesn’t resemble risotto completely, but I don’t think that was the point. It is cooked similarly as traditional risotto would be. Think of it this way–you get a beautiful dish with similar textures and flavors of a traditional risotto with a fraction of the calories. Healthy, great flavors–that’s a win in my book.

Balance of Flavors: Risotto & Shrimp

While the “risotto” is well-seasoned, it still does need something else to really make it pop. On its own, it’s a bit too bland, and that’s mostly blamed on the pumpkin. If you plan on serving the risotto on its own without the shrimp in the recipe, then definitely season it more with salt, pepper, and possibly some of the spice included in the shrimp. If you make it exactly as it is written, then you’ll get to enjoy an excellent dish. The shrimp is seasoned wonderfully with spices that pack just right amount of heat.

The amount of spice on the shrimp is not overwhelming, thankfully, which pairs very nicely against the risotto. It truly is such a nice balance.

Pumpkin Risotto with Shrimp

Grey’s Grade: 4.5/5

If you’re looking to cook with a little bit of pumpkin without settling with the classics, then you should give this recipe a try. It’s truly unique in that way that it uses cauliflower rice to resemble risotto. This makes the recipe not only tasty, but also lighter calorie-wise. This would be a great option if you’re trying to focus on a more low carb diet.

I’ll admit that this recipe was a delicious treat to really kick off the Fall season. My husband definitely agrees, so that certainly adds an additional seal of approval! Sure does in my book!

So, if you’re looking to try something new, check our Mary’s Whole Life for her recipe for this yummy Pumpkin Risotto with Shrimp.

Do YOU have any Fall favorites that you love to make?

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