Reviewed: Oct. 24, 2004

A winner -- literally! I'm a college student and my dorm sponsored a cooking contest for dishes using fresh pumpkin, so I entered this one, and I won 1st prize, a mini iPod! I roasted baby pumpkin halves and served the risotto in them, which made for a great presentation. Delicious (though time-consuming).

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50 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Mallory

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Living In: New York, New York, USA

Reviewed: Nov. 17, 2004

Mmmm, the pumpkin in this is so delicious despite the hassle it is to cut up (wonder if it's sold frozen?) I also did not bother to peel it. I would suggest using 6 cups broth since my rice was not done cooking by the time the liquid had evaporated (one of my cookbooks recommends 1 part Arborio rice to 3 parts liquid). Would definitely make this again!

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21 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Pesco

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 2, 2004

This took me somewhat longer than the specified time, but the finished dish was well worth it. I appreciate the simple flavors, and how easy it was to cook the rice. When I've made risotto before it has always been difficult. A couple of suggestions: 1) mine took an extra quarter cup or so of broth; 2) I let the corners brown on my feta cheese, because it intensifies the flavor. The cheese fit on a toaster oven-size sheet, and I used a 3 qt. sauté pan for the rice, which fit everything perfectly. I will make this recipe again.

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42 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Susan Stone

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Cranford, New Jersey, USA

Living In: El Paso, Texas, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 16, 2004

Very good flavor and presentation too. The mashed pumpkin added to the rice makes the dish. I tasted it before adding the pumpkin and it was kind of bland, but afterwards, what a difference!

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16 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

LynnInHK

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Centreville, Virginia, USA

Living In: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Reviewed: Mar. 31, 2005

Superb!! So smooth and creamy yet without any cheese in the risotto!! I added a whole clove of fresh garlic. Will definately make again!

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18 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

ANGJOHN1

Reviewed: May 12, 2005

This was fantastic, tasted great and looks sensational...definately a keeper as a main or side...fabulous fabulous.

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13 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

stikychikn

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Canning Vale, Western Australia, Australia

Reviewed: Oct. 29, 2005

This recipe was delicious! I used chicken broth instead of vegetable, and used 6 cups instead of 4. The fresh pumpkin was kind of a pain to work with, but worth it!!

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14 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

mbr

Reviewed: Nov. 22, 2005

Wow! This was absolutely delicious and so beautiful to present as well. (I served it in a pumpkin half I had hollowed out). It was a very unexpected combination. I added sauteed red bell peppers to add even more taste and color.

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42 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

CERAWALLACE

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA

Living In: Northfield, Minnesota, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 11, 2005

I gave this recipe full rating, because I believe in it, but I had a horrible time. It was my first risotto, plus I doubled the recipe for 8. I couldn't find fresh pumpkin, so I used butternut squash and a can of pumpkin. I cubed the squash, steamed it (too long), and then baked as suggested. I cooked the risotto as directed. Toward the end, I added a large can of pumpkin (3.5 cups). In a sudden, the dish went bland. I then added more salt, but it was boring, so I added some garam masala. Everything was great again. I stirred in cubed butternut squash, spinach, and garnished with feta and remaining squash. The presentation was beautiful, the taste excellent - but when it came time to serving this dish (5 hours later) it was very mushy. The aram masala was slightly overbearing. The dish was no longer great. I suspect it was too much canned pumpkin w/o benefit of salt/pepper/olive oil baked in the oven. Possibly a small can of pumpkin would be better, but I would only add to taste (I'm not yet convinced canned pumpkin will work). I would make sure the cubes are firm as recommended, because I think this added to the overall mush. Keep garam masal, to a sprinkle and then add to taste (it was truly delightful). I have since been told risotto must be served fresh. Is it true? As a dedicated pumpkin and risotto enthusiast, I will definitely try this again.

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24 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

RoseRedGetsAway

Reviewed: May 7, 2006

We loved this recipe! The sweetness of the pumpkin mixed with the tanginess of the feta are a wonderful combination. I used chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. Also, it was the wrong time of year for fresh pumpkin, so I used a little bit of canned pumpkin instead. I'd definitely make this again.

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20 users found this review helpful