The smoky union of earth and flavour

The combination of pumpkin and smoked bacon is a comforting classic, a pairing of flavours that always brings warmth and satisfaction. It was only natural for us to offer this union in a jarred version—practical, without compromising on taste. The pumpkin, with its sweet and tender flesh, finds its perfect counterpoint in smoked bacon, which adds a salty edge and deep flavour. This contrast creates a balanced dish where each ingredient has its place without overpowering the other.

🔸 Red kuri squash: more taste and texture
While pumpkin is often used in such dishes, we chose red kuri squash instead. This variety offers a creamier texture when cooked and a more pronounced flavour, with chestnut-like notes that pair beautifully with the smoky bacon. Once cooked, it becomes the ideal companion to risotto—adding smoothness and sweetness without breaking down completely.

🔸 Smoked bacon: contrast and intensity
Smoked bacon plays a key role in this dish, delivering a crisp texture and deep flavour thanks to natural smoking. Before being added to the mix, it is lightly grilled, which intensifies its flavour and creates a pleasant contrast with the softness of the squash. This cooking technique enhances umami, which in turn amplifies the gentle sweetness of the squash.

🔸 A creamy touch for smoothness
To balance the dish, we opted for a finish with cream, added at the end of cooking. Unlike butter, which can crystallise and weigh down the texture once cooled, cream offers smoothness and cohesion. Its natural silkiness wraps around the flavours without masking them, allowing the smoky bacon and the subtle sweetness of the squash to shine. The result is a velvety, elegant texture that brings harmony to every bite.

A risotto full of nuance—where the squash melts, the bacon smokes, and the pairing hits just the right note. 🌰🍂