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Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

A comforting pumpkin risotto with arborio rice, parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg. Soft and creamy enough for the whole family to share.

6-8mo+

8 min prep · 30 min cook · 38 min total · 8 servings

Milk

Ingredients

Contains optional added salt for older eaters. Skip it for babies under 12 months.

  • 960 ml chicken stock, low-sodium4.06 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
  • 240 ml pumpkin puree1.01 cup pumpkin puree
  • 30 ml butter2.03 tbsp butter
  • 0.5 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 each garlic, minced
  • 5 ml dried thyme1.01 tsp dried thyme
  • 360 ml arborio rice1.52 cup arborio rice
  • 120 ml parmesan cheese, finely grated8.12 tbsp parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1.25 ml ground nutmeg0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • black pepper (to taste), for older eaters
  • salt (to taste), for over-1s and adults

Steps

Make the Pumpkin Stock

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock and pumpkin puree to a boil over high heat, stirring until smoothly combined.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and keep the pumpkin stock at a gentle simmer while you cook the rice.

Cook the Rice

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic and soften for 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the arborio rice and thyme and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice looks translucent at the edges.
  3. Add 1 to 2 ladles of the warm pumpkin stock and stir until the liquid is almost fully absorbed.
  4. Keep adding stock a ladle at a time, stirring often, until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Finish and Serve

  1. Stir in the parmesan cheese and nutmeg until the risotto is smooth and glossy.
  2. Spoon into bowls and serve warm. For over-1s and adults, add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories
280
Protein
8g
Fat
6g
Carbs
48g

Tips by age

6-8mo

Blend a small portion of the risotto until smooth, thinning with a little water or breast milk to a soft, spoonable puree. Use low-sodium stock and skip the salt.

Choking safety: Ensure the rice is fully soft and the puree is smooth with no firm grains or onion pieces.

9-11mo

Serve the risotto softly mashed so it holds together on a spoon. The creamy texture is easy for gums to manage. Keep stock low-sodium and salt-free.

Choking safety: Make sure rice grains are very soft; press out any firm bits before serving.

12-18mo

Serve as written in a small bowl. Pre-load a spoon to help your toddler self-feed. Parmesan and stock add sodium, so keep portions small and use low-sodium stock.

18-24mo

Serve warm as written. Let your child practice scooping with a spoon. Hold the salt and use low-sodium stock for this age.

2-3y

Serve a child-size bowl as written. You can add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper at the table if you like.

3-5y

Serve as written in a full child portion. Season lightly to taste and offer a favorite vegetable on the side.

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