Butternut Squash Risotto with Toasted Walnuts
“Please please don’t do it” My husband pleaded.
“Why not? I’m a big fan!” I said.
He just closed his eyes, shook his head in surrender and said “you’re shameless.”
We were having dinner at Maze, one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants in London and a few meters away from us was Jason Atherton, the restaurant’s executive chef. I had always admired Jason and rooted for him when I watched the BBC’s Great British Menu a while back. I was delighted when he won the honour of cooking the starter of Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato with Croque Monsieur and the main of beef, ox cheek and potato puree for Heston Blumenthal. Jason also has the honour of being the first British chef to complete a stage at Ferran Adria’s El Bulli.
“I’m going to wave and say hi!” I told my husband earlier in the conversation. And hence his response that I was shameless.
I think my husband was afraid that another “Ethan Hawke” episode would occur. You see, many years back we were having dinner in a restaurant and I had spotted Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman dining as well. I decided to go up to them and ask for their autograph only to be told by Ethan that he would not give me an autograph! That’s right. He politely told me “I’m sorry but we are having dinner.” Of course then, I was disappointed but that way years ago and now I know better than to disturb celebrities while they are having dinner…
I don’t think my husband ever recovered from that experience and he always had this notion that if we tried to say “hello” to a celebrity we would get turned away.
“But what about the Bono incident??” I asked.
“Bono was different. I didn’t approach him.” He said.
Again, rewind many years back, when my husband was taking his MBA in New York, one gorgeous and sunny day he was taking a walk around Central Park and a black SUV passed in front of him. Beside the SUV were a number of bodyguards on foot and a few on motorcycles. He peered inside the vehicle recognized it was Bono, the lead singer of U2!
My husband couldn’t find his voice to speak and so he just mouthed “Bono…”
The bodyguard immediately stepped infront of my husband as if to stop him from getting any closer.
Then…
Bono rolled down his window and stretched out to shake my husband’s hand!
“I’m not worthy!” said my husband…
“In this world, none of us are…” Bono replied, gave him a smile and drove away.
So, of course, I did say hello and Jason was kind enough to pose for a photo… not only that… during dessert he came back to our table and asked if we wanted a tour around the kitchen… AND not only that… he gave me a signed copy of his Maze Cookbook! How fantastic was that?!
Maze and Maze Grill were my favourite restaurants in London so I am glad I have the cookbook. This risotto is adapted from it and is fantastic! It’s made with pumpkin puree, a creamy risotto and toasted walnuts for that lovely crunch.
Sometimes it pays to be shameless…
Recipe adapted from Jason Atherton's Maze Cookbook
Recipe – serves 2 to 4 as a starter
- 50 ml olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 150 grams risotto rice (I used carnaroli)
- 500 ml chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 3tablespoons freshly grater parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone (I used cream)
- 4 to 6 tablespoons butternut squash puree (recipe follows)
- 50 grams diced butter
- salt and pepper
- parmesan shavings, toasted walnuts to serve (I also added some chives but recipe calls for sage leaves)
- To make the risotto base, heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sweat the shallots for 5 minutes to soften, without colouring.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring for a minute.
- Add the stock, a cup at a time.
- Once the rice starts to absorb the liquid, continue to add more stock until the rice is plump, and al dente. This will take around 30 minutes. Be patient.
- Stir in the parmesan, cream and squash puree until evenly combined.
- Finally, add the butter cubes, stir and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, divide among warm plates. Scatter with parmesan shavings, toasted walnuts and wood sorrel, or sage or chives.
Butternut Squash Puree – this makes much more than the recipe requires but it is delicious as a side dish.
- 1 large butternut squash about 1 kilo
- 150 grams butter
- 1 vanilla pod, split
- sea salt
- Peel, deseed and dice the butternut squash. Melt the butter in a pan.
- Add the squash and cook without colouring for about 15 minutes over a medium heat until very soft.
- Whiz in a blender until smooth.
- Scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod and stir them into the puree. Season with salt to taste.
Toasted Walnuts – melt 25 grams butter in a frying pan, add the 100 grams shelled walnuts and saute for a minute or two until lightly browned. Drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt and sugar to taste.
Trissalicious 
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Wow great recipe and what vibrant colors in the photos. Have just discovered your blog and will be back often.
I love your last statement! I’ve definitely benefited from a little shamelessness myself when it came to meeting my favorite musicians. What a wonderful experience not only meeting but getting awesome gifts from Jason. I haven’t made a good risotto yet, so I’ll definitely turn to this recipe when I’m in the mood to make some.
What a hilarious post – you had me laughing all the way through =) And I *love* pumpkin risotto – yours looks divine!
Love that story! I’m afraid I’m more like your hubbs … can’t get myself to be bold enuf to take advantage of a golden opportunity like u did 🙂 The pumpkin risotto looks divine … I’d probably have 2 helpings of it!
What an entertaining post! I found myself getting totally engrossed in your story! I must tell you, it is always worth it! I mean by being daring look what you gained! Plus we get to enjoy a fantastic recipe! Love the colors of that risotto!
What a wonderful story. I always say take the risk, but don’t intrude.
The pumpkin risotto has such a beautiful color and looks so tasty. I’ve never been to Maze. I would love to go and now you’ve given me even more incentive. Thanks!
After staring at that top photo (which is flat-out gorgeous by the way) for quite some time, You get the most wonderful story! How nice of Jason, and the Bono incident is so sweet =D. Not to mention your supersaturated and stunning risotto.
A lady after my heart! LOVE IT!! Yay you…yes of course it pays to be shameless! I love the Bono incident…At least your hub had words; I would have fainted with sheer joy! I haven’t enjoyed reading a post this much in ages! It’s beautifully written and engaging…thank you!
This is a gorgeous & colourful risotto! WOW!!
What a great experience with Jason!! He sounds lovely – a tour and a book – lucky you. I’m too scared to go talk to celebrities..
LOL – you have had some very up close and personal celeb experiences. My closest celeb experience was being in a 7 Eleven at the same time as Andrew Gaze! The risotto looks delish.
Risotto is always a little to ‘white’ for me. I loveee how this has a gorgeous POP of colour. 🙂 nd the shaved cheese makes it look even more delicious.
I am sorry I did not give you my autograph. I think your risotto looks great.
Ethan
P.S. I know Luisa and Paolo . I met them her in NY and they pointed me to your blog.
A fabulous coloured risotto. Great stories too.
Pumpkin risotto looks totally awesome!
Sometimes it pays to be shameless….I am with you.
how awesome that you got a kitchen tour and a signed cookbook! I love the stories of your celebrities “sightings” and it’s interesting to read their reactions. and that risotto looks really good.
Wow! What a story about meeting Bono! Wow! And Chef Jason, what an incredibly kind and gracious man to give you a signed copy of the cookbook and show you the kitchen.
I made risotto for the first time last night, and love it! I will have to try this recipe. The addition of vanilla bean is intriguing.
Great looking risotto! I love butternut squash and with walnuts… I’ll definitely be making this with the fresh crop in the fall.
Haha, you’re a groupie – that’s cute!
Waw,…Trissa!! Jason Atherton is amazing, isn’t he??? Cute too!
He is like you an amazing & brilliiant chef!
This risotto looks fabulous!!!!!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM,…
O dear Trissa…. you had me laughing out loud here! I can almost imagine the disappointment when Ethan Hawke said he didn’t want to give you an autograph… Hmmm, I guess you can’t really blame him.. Imagine all those fans wanting an autograph and all you want to do is eat.. O well, they shouldn’t have become famous then!
But how great that you got to talk to Jason and that he was so kind to give you a tour AND a book! Wow… That never happens to me… In fact I am convinced that they would ignore me if I even tried…lol… The risotto looks delicious!
Wow, an amazing looking risotto pipped just by your amazing story! Haha, shameless =p
wow. so tell us, is ethan hawke as greasy in person as he seems on tv? not that i don’t find him ridiculously attractive, of course… 🙂
now, about this risotto–its creaminess and hue are completely enticing. well done, trissa!
You cracked me up! I usually try not to react at all when I spot “celebrities”. Not that I have spotted many … Does Peter Costello count? Or Malcolm Turnbull? Or Jamie Durie? Or that long-haired chick from Getaway? Ok, I’ll shut up now. Your shots are stunning!
beautiful risotto. and I should be shameless to. I shy away when I see good or great chefs. I blush!
*tucking into your risotto without asking* ….call me shameless….
But it is just perfect with sights (beautiful risotto), sounds (interesting story) and taste buds (yummy dish) all entertained at this instant. 😀
thanks for sharing your story, I enjoyed it as always… I love your risotto, looks so yummy, this kind of consistency is what I was aiming for when I made my first risotto but failed…
I love pumpkin risotto and have never found a reliable recipe. I trust your judgement. I am definately making this for myself and my love this weekend.
Yuuuum! I have yet to be to Maze, though I have heard it’s delicious. I’ll have to make the visit! That pumpkin risotto looks heavenly.
This looks AMAZING for sure! I am making this without a doubt.
Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe….. perfect for the colder weather!
Trissa, honest confession?… I did not take a second look at your food. I was busy reading your story and enjoying every word of it. So funny… your husband’s encounter with Bono especially cracked me up… ‘ I am not worthy..’ ???? … God has landed?… and Bono saved the day. He was so gracious!
Wow! I love Jason Atherton (have you seen his new book that’s about to come out. Food for a fiver. The Times is running some of the recipes this week, and they look fab). Maze and Maze Grill are some of my favourite restaurants in London too. Maze Grill’s 18 pound lunch special is out of this world (best. steak. ever – and I know my steak), and the degustation at Maze is beyond good. Sexy dining, but comfortable. Immaculate food. Wish I was there now!
Thanks for this recipe, looks very luscious, just as a risotto should be!
That looks so refreshing, healthy and delicious. I would love to try this.
this looks great i am going to bookmark it and make it sometime soon :O)
this is just amazing risotto…yum!yum!yuuummm! and i love how Jason gave you a bit of his time, sometimes those little time of kindness is always remembered for a lifetime=)
ahahahah. that’s an awesome story especially how everything worked out in the end. =)
You crack me up! I’ve been known to do the same thing with “celebrity chefs”! Love the flavours of the pumpkin risotto and that last shot is stunning Trissa!
Hahaha ‘I’m not worthy!’!! I don’t know which part is better, the Bono bit or how lovely Jason Atherton was. I wish I had your guts, it totally pays off but I’m not surprised because you’re such a charmer 😉 I looove the colour of this dish, I’m gonna use it the next time I want to impress someone!
Your risotto looks so lovely & creamy. Mm… Hehe how cool that you got the cookbooks and a photo and a tour. I’d totally risk being shamed for that!!
How would have thought it”s pumpkin!! How glorious is the colour 🙂 I am a very shy person and rather wait for opportunity to come and ask. I always admire your guts!
Trissa, just signed up for email subscription so I get to see your updates everytime.
Anyways, I’m sooo glad you kept this vegetarian (with veg stock of course). I’d sooo love to try this. I sooo wish I can make the presentation atleast half as good as yours. uuuuuhhhh-maaayyyyy-zingggg!
Love, love, love risotto. This one looks divine.
Awe, I can understand Ethan Hawk’s feelings, but his response still seems a little harsh. I mean, he could’ve just given you his autograph! Anyway, your risotto looks wonderful. I’ve been meaning to make some and I keep putting it off, since all I have in the cupboard is whole grain arborio-don’t know if it will work…
This looks fabulous..we made a similar version once and really enjoyed it..I must say you have stirred up wonderful food memories..
Your stories are so entertaining also:)
Tsk tsk..I know personalities..are entitled to their privacy..But surely just one little autograph would not have hurt him..And it would have pleased you no end!
The Bono story is so cute:)
I didn’t know you back then but a few yrs ago I was in NYC..my first and only time..with both my daughters..and Mario Batali was in Greenwich Village and my daughter said: “Mom isn’t that Mario Batali?” she knew my husband and I watched his shows and loved him..
He could not have been nicer when we approached him.. he chatted..made jokes..let us take a photograph.
I still have it of course..
And that gesture of his made my trip to NYC even more memorable.
I totally understand your joy.
“The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose”.
~ Hada Bejar
hi this sounds super yum–I made a similar risotto a while back adapted from a recipe from the barefoot contessa, it’s similar, but with some pancetta, white wine, and saffron, and more parmesean (but no mascarpone). It was soooooooooooo good!!!!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/butternut-squash-risotto-recipe/index.html
I’m sorry, but where’s the pumpkin in this recipe?
Wow, this risotto is an absolute stunner! I’ve never tried making one.
My new blog went up today and I am so excited. Stop by and check out my brand new and improved site daaaahling. I want to know what you think. I’m also doing a fab give away.
*kisses* HH
Uh, wow?! Jason Atherton is a doll. So much like his boss (just kidding). I have the book too, but it is unfortunately signature-less 😦 Lots of pretty pictures though. Hope to cook more than desserts from it someday. Maybe I should start with this – you can’t fail serving up a classic.
Shame….and beauty….often go hand in hand. Superb risotto Trissa, a must try!!!!!!!!!! LOL, Oz
You are so funny! I understand the Ethan Hawke incident, but if it’s a chef in his restaurant they better be sociable with their fans. 😉 I love kitchen tours. And this pumpkin risotto looks amazing and is perfection!
Trissa,
May I put the word “shameless” into another word “courageous”? It did pay you with your courage! Otherwise, you can’t cook this yummy dish at home.
This Pumpkin Risotto looks so beautiful and tempting. I’ll cook it very soon. Thanks a lot.
Now I’m going to ask for more recipes from your signed cookbook. Am I shameless this time? 😛 Hope it pays back, lol…
That’s bloody awesome! I’d be so embarassed to be politely shooed away like that.. At least he was polite about it. But the Bono incident was funny too and seemed kinda random.. Like he pulled up from the middle of nowhere. That’s fantastic that you got what you got from Jason.
The risotto looks stunning.. And wow, vanilla bean in the puree.
You know Trissa, sometimes I wish I act shameless for once in my life. So, good for you that you had a great experience at the restaurant and the chef that you admire just because you asked which is what most people are afraid to do. And this risotto is absolutely divine which is one of my favorite things.
Hahah woooww you guys have been starstruck so many times!! Lucky! I have to say that it is definitely worth being shameless even if you get turned away now and then for rewards like these!
If I told you how luscious this dish looks or how vividly it pops from the screen with its sunshiny warmth, will you kindly send some via express mail? Shameless, I know, but all truth. This is such a beautiful dish, accompanied by fun stories. Though your husband had better luck with Bono than you did with Ethan, your approach of approaching worked very well in this instance! 😎
Good grief I think I’d be starstruck if I saw this risotto in person. I’d just stand there mouthing “pumpkin”. Glorious dish! Hilarious story too. I haven’t seen any of my idols in person but am absolutely sure I’d be useless and just stand there with my mouth open. Mind you, standing there with my mouth open if I saw this risotto might be a good thing, some might fall into it 😀
Your Justin Atherton experience just goes to prove that you’ve got nothing to lose! And isn’t Maze rumoured to be opening at Crown this year? You’ll be first in line, I bet. By the way your risotto looks insanely gorgeous!
Great story Trissa. Hopefully you won’t have to remove it ;P *wink*. The colour of the risotto is positively gleaming!
Yes, shameless truly! Just ask the boys from Duran Duran…
Btw, I want to eat this risotto, it looks delicious!
Yes, shameless truly! Just ask the boys from Duran Duran…
I rooted for Jason Atherton too in the great British menu and I’m so glad to hear that he is such a nice person in real life. Oh btw, yr risotto looks soo yummy!
OH THIS LOOKS FANTASTIC !
That’s a funny story. I like the twist on the risotto. I don’t think risotto versatility has been near tapped out yet.
Woo hoo!!!! Trissa, it really depends on who the celeb is, huh? Jason will be proud. Just look at what you cooked. Is there a way to forward this post to him??
oh and ps. your pumpkin risotto looks scrumptious 🙂
lol. What hilarious stories. I love Bono’s response to your husband’s slack-jawed awe! I’m always too shy to approach celebrities when I see them, although I’m sure that furtive glances are often just as bad sometimes. And as you’ve demonstrated, sometimes being polite but forthright gets you rewards – like kitchen tours! and signed copies of cookbooks! Well done you!
Whaaat dang you’re a celebrity magnet! I love pumpkin but I can only have a little bit at a time, it’s just a bit too sweet for me. Your pics are so gorgeous I’d gladly eat two plates of this.
Dan said Im not worthy ahhahahah. Omg I literally laughed so loud, I pictured him near a really tall bodyguard looking stunned at Bono eheheheh. Look how bright this dish is Trissa. I love pumpkin and risotto. This is a perfect combo for me.
I allways like your little “stories”, so funny! And your risotto… hummm! I’m hungry now!
This looks absolutely scrumptious! And what lovely star studded stories. How nice of Jason to come back and give you a tour of the kitchen and a signed copy!!! Yup you never know if you never ask!!
Next time you’re in London let me know I’d love to meet you!