Roasted squash, pancetta & chestnut risotto

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Upping the veg and swapping rice for pearl barley makes a hearty winter warmer that's full of flavour and healthy too. Scatter with Parmesan and enjoy!

Prep:5 mins
Cook:45 mins

Serves 4
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 418
fat 13g
saturates 3g
carbs 62g
sugars 7g
fibre 4g
protein 11g
salt 0.7g

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash (about 1½ kg), peeled, ends trimmed, cut in half widthways and spiralized into thin noodles
1 ½ tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chilli flakes
100g cooked chestnuts, quartered
½ small pack sage, leaves picked
8 slices pancetta
2 banana shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
200g pearl barley
850ml low-sodium vegetable stock (we used bouillon)
Parmesan, to serve

Method

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the squash with 1⁄2 tbsp of oil, chilli flakes and some seasoning on a large roasting tray. Roast for 15 mins, then add the chestnuts and nestle the sage and pancetta around the squash so that they touch the baking sheet. Return to the oven for 8–10 mins until the pancetta and sage are crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside. When cool, tear the pancetta and sage leaves into pieces.
Heat the remaining oil in a sauté pan over a low heat. Add the shallots and cook for 8 mins until softened but not coloured. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min. Tip in the pearl barley, toast for a minute, then pour in the stock.
Working in small amounts, add the stock to the pan and cook, stirring over a medium heat until all the liquid is absorbed by the barley – about 20 mins. When there is only a little liquid left, stir in the roasted ingredients to warm through. Season to taste. Serve with Parmesan.