Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients:
For the Risotto:
- Arborio Rice: 1½ cups – This type of rice is essential for achieving the creamy texture of risotto.
- Mushrooms: 2 cups, sliced (You can use a mix of varieties like cremini, portobello, and shiitake).
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups – Keep it warm on the stovetop.
- Dry White Wine: ½ cup
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they are soft and browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat with butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent.
- Add Wine and Broth:
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it is fully absorbed. Then, start adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until each ladle of broth is almost completely absorbed by the rice before adding the next.
- Cook the Risotto:
- Continue to add broth and stir the rice. The process should take about 18-20 minutes. The rice should be creamy and just tender.
- Add Mushrooms and Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sautéed mushrooms, remaining butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the risotto warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips:
- Stirring: Constant stirring is key to releasing the rice’s starches, which gives risotto its creamy texture.
- Broth Temperature: Keep the broth warm throughout the cooking process, as adding cold broth can slow down the cooking.
- Rice Doneness: The risotto should be al dente – tender but with a slight bite.
- Serving: Risotto is best served immediately as it continues to thicken when it cools.
Enjoy your homemade Mushroom Risotto, a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner!