Try This Delicious Mushroom Risotto
- Prep20 mins
- Cook30 mins
- Total50 mins
- Yield6 servings
- Ingredients12
Mushroom risotto is a relatively simple but luxurious addition to your meal. A traditional Italian dish, risotto is rice cooked by gradually adding broth — and often wine — so it has a creamy, chewy texture.
Mushrooms are a common ingredient in risotto, as they add a distinct, earthy flavor to the recipe. As luck would have it, they're also quite rich in protein and fiber. A hearty serving of mushroom risotto is a delicious change from a plain pasta or rice side dish and can complement nearly any entree.
Nutritional Information
- Calories355
- Protein9g
- Fat14g
- Carbohydrates48g
- Sodium896mg
- Cholesterol35mg
Health Benefits
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, and full of nutrition. One serving (one cup) of fresh mushrooms contains 7.5 grams of fiber, as well as potassium, iron, and B vitamins at levels comparable to high-fiber fruits such as blueberries and raspberries.
Rice
A rice-based diet may be the key to a happier and healthier mind. Rice is high in carbs, which is essential for long-term brain function.
Cheese
Studies show that eating certain full-fat dairy products, like cheese and unsweetened yogurt, may help lower blood pressure. Full-fat cheese can be part of a well-rounded diet if it's eaten in moderation and combined with other healthful food choices.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
- black pepper, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, kept hot
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 1/2 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms, rinsed and chopped
- 1 cup of mixed fresh mushrooms (ie: baby portabello, button), chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (optional)
Instructions
1. Soak the dried mushrooms
Place dried shiitake mushrooms in a medium-sized bowl. Pour hot water over them and let sit for 20 minutes to hydrate.
Remove the mushrooms from the water, squeeze the excess moisture out with a paper towel, and coarsely chop them.
This is also a good time to heat the broth. Keep it on the stove on low so it stays hot.
2. Sauté the veggies
Combine shiitake and mixed mushrooms in a pot over medium-high heat with 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, sautéing them for about 3 minutes.
Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the mushrooms and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the rice and herbs
Add the arborio rice and 1 Tbsp unsalted butter to the mushroom and onion mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon.
Add oregano and pepper to taste.
4. Add the wine (optional)
If you're adding wine, do so now. Stir it into the rice, then reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Slowly add the broth
Add the hot broth about a 1/2 cup at a time, stirring regularly until the rice is almost dry again. This gradual addition of the liquid is what ensures your risotto will be thick and creamy.
6. Serve your delish side dish
The risotto is ready when the rice is tender with just a scant amount of broth still in the pan. If you scoop some to the side of the pan, it should spread out a little bit (not too sticky) but not expand across the surface (not too loose).
Stir in the remaining butter and Parmesan cheese until they melt. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh-cracked pepper.
Bueno!
Expert Tips
Dairy substitutions
For a dairy-free risotto, replace the butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter.
Nutritional yeast can be a hearty, umami-flavored replacement for Parmesan cheese. Only use about half as much yeast as cheese.
Seasoning options
A wide range of Italian seasonings pair well with this recipe, including fresh or dried basil and parsley.
Replace the rice
Barley, quinoa, and bulgur wheat hold up as excellent replacements for rice in risotto. Depending on which grain you use, you may need more or less broth.
Required Kitchenware
- A pot that can hold at least 8 cups, with plenty of room to stir and add additional liquid if needed. A wok or high-sided pan can work as well.
- A wooden spoon works best to maintain the flavor of risotto.
- A bowl that holds about 2 cups, with enough space to fully cover the dried mushrooms.
- A sharp kitchen knife for chopping and mincing
- A towel or paper towel to squeeze excess moisture from the mushrooms.
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