GOODNESS
Sage: This delightful herb is a key player in some terrific recipes, but it is also a great purifier, fighting both bacteria and viruses. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and is used by many to ease the symptoms of arthritis. It also helps to lower blood pressure and control blood sugar. Like rosemary, it has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid excessive quantities of sage if you are pregnant.
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Recipe

Risotto with Winter Squash and Leeks

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 78

ingredients

  • 1 large winter squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
  • 2 cups arborio rice or medium-grain rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place squash on large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to coat. Roast until tender and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes.

Bring stock to simmer in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat to very low, cover and keep stock warm.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in another heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add leeks and saute until soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Add rice, stir 1 minute. Add wine and simmer until absorbed, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup hot stock, simmer until absorbed, stirring frequently. Add remaining stock 1/2 cup at a time, allowing stock to be absorbed before adding more and stirring frequently, until rice is tender and mixture is creamy, about 25 minutes longer. Add roasted squash, cream, Parmesan cheese and sage, stir until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.