Butternut Squash Risotto

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring broth, water and salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat and keep at a bare simmer.

2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a Dutch oven or large deep sauté pan over low heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel. Discard rendered fat. Return pan to heat, add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice and squash; cook for 1 minute more.

3. Ladle 1 cup simmering broth into rice mixture and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 1 minute. Continue stirring and adding broth as it is absorbed, 1/2 cup at a time, until squash is tender and mixture is creamy. (Adjust heat as necessary to prevent scorching yet maintain a lively simmer.) Total cooking time will be 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan, reserved bacon and pepper. Serve hot, passing remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan separately.