Im making a butternut squash risotto for an exam in college, any garnishing ideas?

Im roasting the squash in sage, olive oil, pancetta and chestnuts to add to the risotto when softened, i was wondering what garnishes/accompaniments would go well to serve on the plate with the risotto?

Craig Greenhalgh
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11 Comments

PazzoNico November 18, 2013
Good luck by the way!
 
Craig G. November 18, 2013
Thankyou! think i'm going to go with the baby aragula on the side!
 
Craig G. November 18, 2013
Thankyou! think i'm going to go with the baby aragula on the side!
 
PazzoNico November 18, 2013
Risotto isn't much of a garnish/accompaniment "kind of dish"; it stands alone. A few shavings of parmigiano or pecorino (maybe even asiago) is all that is necessary.
The only other thing I can think of as a garnish that wouldn't distract from the flavors you already have is a fried brunoise of butternut squash. Maybe toss them with a touch of aged balsamic straight out of the fryer/oil. This would serve as textural and acidic component.
Or a tiny salad of microgreens or baby arugula; for color and some freshness. Bull's blood would look awesome, but they're not that easy to come by (especially just for a garnish).
Just nail the risotto and don't over-complicate it and you'll be fine; garnish or not.
 
shayma November 18, 2013
Buttered breadcrumbs and pecans.
 
Maedl November 18, 2013
The fried sage leaves would be great--and maybe you could fry a bit of pancetta and chopped chestnut and crumble them both on atop along with the leaves. Something bright green, like chopped chives or parsley, would look good, just because of the color contrast, but you don’t want too much going on!
 
Craig G. November 18, 2013
Do you think a chilli flake Parmesan Tuile to push for the distinction, thoughts?
 
sexyLAMBCHOPx November 18, 2013
Best of luck, I hope some of the more experienced cooks will have additional suggestions.
 
Craig G. November 18, 2013
thankyou :)
 
sexyLAMBCHOPx November 18, 2013
Fried sage leaves or crumbled cheese such as Cabreles blue?
 
Craig G. November 18, 2013
Im already using the sage leaves that have been roasted from the squash, but the Cabreles could work :)
 
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