Why Risotto Should Be Your New Weeknight Staple

For many home cooks, risotto sounds like a daunting, "special occasion" dish that can't be pulled off for a typical weeknight dinner. But JBF Award winner Jimmy Bannos Jr. begs to differ. Dedication, not duration, is key here, as Bannos explained at his recent Sur La Table demo for JBF Taste America: Chicago. "Risotto is actually really simple, and just takes some time and a little bit of love to prepare," said Bannos, who is no Italian ingenue, having earned his stripes under legends like Lidia Bastianich.

A self-professed pork propagandist, Bannos builds the base of this hearty shrimp and squash risotto with rendered pancetta, and pumps up the fall flavors with pumpkin seed oil and crunchy pepitas. Coming together in just over half an hour, this recipe works for any night of the week. Make it tonight.

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James Beard Foundation's Taste America® is sponsored by New Orleans Tourism, Breville®, Norwegian Seafood Council, Sodexo, Stacy’s® Snacks, and TABASCO®; and in partnership with SAVEUR, The Daily Meal, and Sur La Table. Learn more about JBF Taste America.