Roasted Pumpkin and Leek Risotto

1 small pumpkin cut into 3cm cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme and dried sage
Save the pumpkin seeds to roast
2 leeks around 220g
2 tbsp of butter vegan or dairy
3 large cloves garlic minced
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
120 g arborio rice
250 ml white wine
900 ml vegetable stock we use boiling water and stock cube
Generous pinch of salt and pepper to season
1/2 lemon squeezed
fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 200°C

Chop the pumpkin, toss in the oil and herbs then roast on a tray for 40 minutes, turn over after around 30 minutes

Prep the ingredients for the risotto, then add the leeks to a large pot with the butter and sweat down for around 5 minutes

Add the minced garlic, continue to fry for two minutes before adding the arborio rice, fresh chopped thyme and toss until coated

Add the white wine and allow the rice to absorb, followed by adding a ladle full of the vegetable stock at a time until each bit has been absorbed by the rice, season generously with salt and pepper

For the final ten minutes of baking, add the pumpkin seeds to the tray of pumpkin and allow to roast

Once the rice has fully absorbed the stock add the roasted squash to the pot, squeeze in 1/2 lemon juice, season again to taste and serve up. Top with the toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped walnuts

www.lucyandlentils.co.uk