Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a rich, velvety dish that features tender Arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. This Italian classic is perfect as a main course or a side dish, offering comfort with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 lb mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté the mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the onion and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toast the rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir frequently, allowing the rice to toast for about 2 minutes. The rice should become slightly translucent around the edges.
- Add the wine:
- If using wine, pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice.
- Cook the risotto:
- Begin adding the warm broth to the rice one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Wait for each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding more. This process will take about 18-20 minutes. The rice should be creamy and tender but still have a slight bite in the center.
- Add the mushrooms and cream:
- Once the rice is cooked to your liking, stir in the cooked mushrooms and heavy cream (if using). Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot as a main dish or side.
This Creamy Mushroom Risotto is decadent, comforting, and full of earthy mushroom flavor, making it a perfect dish for any occasion!
