Date Night Mushroom Risotto (Printable)
A rich, creamy Italian risotto featuring earthy mushrooms and savory Parmesan, ideal for a special meal at home.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 9 ounces mixed fresh mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
→ Grains
05 - 3/4 cup Arborio rice
→ Liquids
06 - 3 cups vegetable broth, warmed
07 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
→ Dairy
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
09 - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream, optional
→ Fats and Seasonings
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown and their moisture has evaporated. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir well to ensure it is thoroughly coated with the oil and vegetables. Toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the edges of the grains become translucent.
04 - Pour in the dry white wine and continue to stir until it is almost fully absorbed by the rice.
05 - Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful (approximately 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to be mostly absorbed by the rice before adding the next ladleful. Continue this process for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and the risotto achieves a creamy consistency.
06 - Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the heavy cream, if using, for extra richness. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
07 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the risotto to rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It feels incredibly fancy and indulgent, but it's surprisingly straightforward to master.
- The rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the creamy texture are pure comfort, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
02 -
- Never, ever stop stirring during the broth addition phase; that constant movement is what creates the velvety texture you crave.
- Always keep your broth warm! Adding cold liquid to hot rice will shock it and make it cook unevenly.
03 -
- For an extra layer of flavor, sauté a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary with the onions, removing it before adding the rice.
- Don't overcook the risotto; it should be fluid and creamy, not stiff, and the rice grains should still have a slight bite to them.