Description
Classic mushroom risotto celebrates creamy Italian comfort food with rich, earthy flavors. Parmesan cheese and arborio rice combine for a luxurious dish that delivers genuine culinary satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (950 ml / 32 fl oz) chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) arborio rice
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) dry white wine
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Mushroom Preparation: Caramelize mushrooms in a harmonious blend of olive oil and butter over medium heat until they achieve a rich, golden-brown complexion, developing deep, concentrated flavors. Transfer the transformed mushrooms to a separate plate.
- Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they soften and release their fragrant essence, creating a flavor-packed base for the risotto.
- Rice Toasting: Introduce Arborio rice, coating each grain in the aromatic oil and butter. Gently toast the rice to activate its nutty undertones, then deglaze with white wine, allowing the liquid to nearly completely absorb and intensify the rice’s character.
- Broth Infusion: Embark on a methodical broth incorporation, adding warm broth one ladleful at a time. Stir consistently, permitting each addition to be mostly absorbed before the next. This technique coaxes out the rice’s natural starches, culminating in a luxuriously creamy texture over 18-20 minutes.
- Final Composition: Once the rice reaches perfect al dente consistency, integrate the caramelized mushrooms, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, and if necessary, introduce a splash of warm broth to achieve a silky, flowing consistency.
- Presentation: Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley. Ensure the risotto is presented at its peak temperature, showcasing its creamy, indulgent nature.
Notes
- Mushroom Selection: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms like porcini, shiitake, or cremini for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- Rice Precision: Use authentic Arborio or Carnaroli rice to ensure proper starch release and creamy consistency; avoid long-grain rice varieties.
- Liquid Temperature Control: Always use warm broth to maintain steady cooking temperature and prevent rice from becoming tough or unevenly cooked.
- Stirring Strategy: Stir risotto consistently but gently to release starches without breaking rice grains, creating smooth, velvety texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg