Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Pancetta

-Ingredients

1/4 pound thinly sliced pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch strips
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 butternut squash--peeled, halved,
seeded and cut into 1 1/2-by-1/4-inch sticks
8 sage leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
5 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 1/2 cups arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

-Cooking Directions

In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over moderate heat until crisp, about 4 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a medium bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the fat in the skillet.
Add the squash and cook over moderately high heat,
stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes.
Add the sage, season with salt and pepper and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute longer.
Transfer the squash to the bowl with the pancetta.

In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer over moderately high heat. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.

In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add the wine and cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed.
Add 1/2 cup of the hot stock and cook, stirring, until absorbed.
Continue adding the stock, about 1/2 cup at a time,
and stirring constantly until it is nearly absorbed before adding more.
The risotto is done when the rice is just tender and the liquid is creamy, about 20 minutes.

Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the 1/2 cup of Parmesan into the risotto.
Gently fold in the squash and pancetta.
Spoon the risotto into warmed bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

Yield: 8 servings

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