Welcome to the Fit Foodie Cooking Club for November 2022 — featuring Butternut Squash Risotto. This cozy, creamy recipe captures the warm, savory-sweet flavors of fall and is an ideal dish to cook from scratch.
What is the Fit Foodie Cooking Club?
The Fit Foodie Cooking Club is a monthly cooking challenge designed to inspire you to prepare real food at home. Each month our community cooks the same featured recipe to learn, share, and celebrate cooking from scratch.
Making the same dish together gives us the chance to compare tips, ask questions, and enjoy a simple shared experience even when we’re apart.
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November 2022 – The Details
Please read the details below carefully so your entry qualifies. If anything is unclear, leave a question in the comments of the post.
Recipe of the Month: Butternut Squash Risotto
This month’s recipe is a rich, creamy butternut squash risotto — a satisfying vegetarian dinner that feels elegant but is straightforward to prepare. Risotto often seems intimidating, but with a little patience and a few simple techniques, you’ll get a perfectly creamy result.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below and you’ll be comfortable making butternut squash risotto in no time.
Why you’ll love it
Vegetarian: A hearty, meat-free main that satisfies.
Quick weeknight option: The recipe comes together in simple stages for a manageable dinner.
Comfort with flair: It tastes elevated and special, yet is easy to prepare.
All About Butternut Squash Risotto
Ingredients You’ll Need
Butternut squash: Use a whole squash, peeled and cubed, or save time with pre-chopped squash from the store. Either works fine.
Seasonings: coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of cayenne (optional), ground coriander, and a sprinkle of nutmeg for warm fall notes.
Light brown sugar: A touch helps deepen the natural sweetness of the squash.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the flavorful base of the risotto.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth can be used; vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian. Choose a low-sodium option if available and adjust seasoning to taste.
Fresh sage leaves: Fresh sage adds a subtle herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with squash.
White wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, deglazes the pan and adds acidity; water can be substituted if desired.
Arborio rice: Use arborio rice for its starchy qualities that create the signature creaminess of risotto.
Freshly grated Parmesan: Finely grated Parmesan folded in at the end gives richness and depth.
A few tips
Short on time? Purchase pre-cut squash to save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Adjust the heat: If you prefer no heat, omit the cayenne. Red pepper flakes are another flexible option.
Be patient: Risotto rewards slow, steady stirring and gradual addition of warm broth. Rushing the process can affect texture.
How to Enter
Once you’ve cooked the recipe, share your result to enter the monthly giveaway.
- Visit the Butternut Squash Risotto blog post on the Fit Foodie site.
- Make the recipe and take a clear photo of your finished dish.
- Leave a comment on the Butternut Squash Risotto blog post with your photo, a brief note about your experience, and your name and email so we can contact winners. A star rating is welcome but not required.
Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club on Facebook
Come join our active Fit Foodie Facebook group to share photos, tips, and support with other home cooks. It’s a friendly place to show off your creations and swap ideas.
Important Dates
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 – First day to submit an entry.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 – Final day to post your photo and comment to qualify.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 – Winners will be randomly selected and announced here and on social media.
The Prize
Two participants will each win a $100 lululemon gift card. Winners are chosen at random from qualifying comments posted between November 1 and November 29, 2022.
Announcements will be made on the last Wednesday of the month (November 30, 2022) via the blog post and our social channels.
Charity of the Month
Every month we support a charity. In November we are supporting Feeding America to help provide meals for those in need during a season when many families gather and share food. No one should go hungry, and this organization helps connect food donations from farms, manufacturers, and retailers to local communities.
When you support Feeding America, you help a nationwide network of food banks deliver programs like school-based pantries, emergency disaster relief, and child nutrition initiatives.
We will match and double the giveaway winners’ value to donate $400 to Feeding America this month.
Donate
We invite you to support the charity of the month if you are able. If you’d like to contribute directly, please consider donating to Feeding America to help provide meals to those in need.