Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice. 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth. 1/2 cup dry white wine. 1/2 onion, finely chopped. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 cup pumpkin puree. 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 8 large sea scallops. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon butter.
Instructions: In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over medium heat until simmering. In a separate large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until softened. Add Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for a few minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly. Pour in the white wine and cook until absorbed, stirring frequently. Begin adding the warm broth to the rice mixture, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and cooked to al dente, about 18-20 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin puree and chopped spinach, cook until heated through and spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Meanwhile, pat dry the scallops with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. In another skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops and sear until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve the risotto onto plates, top with seared scallops, and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.