Imagine a dish that embodies pure culinary comfort – a velvety, rich risotto that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece. This mushroom risotto is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and the art of slow cooking. Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of creamy Arborio rice, earthy mushrooms, and a delicate hint of Parmesan that will transport you straight to the heart of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- Arborio rice: 320 g (11.3 oz)
- Button mushrooms (or mixed mushrooms): 250 g (8.8 oz)
- Vegetable or chicken stock: 1 L (4.2 cups)
- Dry white wine: 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
- Onion: 1 medium (≈ 100 g / 3.5 oz)
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Butter: 40 g (1.4 oz)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1.8 oz) + 10 g (0.4 oz) for serving
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- Fresh parsley or thyme: a few sprigs
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely slice onion and garlic
- Slice mushrooms evenly
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
- Heat olive oil and 20g butter in a large skillet
- Sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes
- Add mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned
- Season with salt and pepper
- Set aside off the heat
3. Toast the Rice
- In the same skillet, add remaining 20g butter
- Add Arborio rice
- Cook for 1 minute until rice becomes translucent
4. Create the Risotto
- Pour in white wine
- Let it evaporate while stirring
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Add hot stock ladleful by ladleful
- Stir in a zigzag pattern
- Wait for each ladleful to be almost completely absorbed before adding the next
5. Finish the Dish
- After 18-20 minutes, when rice is al dente
- Stir in reserved mushrooms
- Remove from heat
- Add Parmesan cheese
- Stir briskly to create a creamy texture
- Adjust seasoning
6. Serve
- Cover for 1 minute
- Plate immediately
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan
- Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 18g
Why This Mushroom Risotto is a Nutritional Powerhouse
This risotto is more than just a delicious meal – it’s a nutrient-rich dish that offers multiple health benefits. Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while Arborio rice provides essential carbohydrates. The addition of Parmesan cheese brings calcium and protein, making this a well-balanced meal that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs.
Pro Tips
- Keep stock simmering for even rice absorption
- For an autumnal twist, try replacing button mushrooms with porcini and chanterelle
Indulge in this creamy, luxurious mushroom risotto – a true celebration of Italian culinary tradition.