Butternut squash risotto is another great seasonal variation on the basic risotto recipe. The butternut squash really complements the risotto, both in its sweet flavor and its creamy texture. Risotto is prepared with a type of starchy, short-grained rice called arborio rice. Cooking it involves stirring hot stock into the uncooked rice a ladleful at a time and cooking slowly as the stock is absorbed. This releases the rice's natural starches, producing the creamy, velvety consistency characteristic of perfect risotto.