Creamy Mushroom Risotto
A rich and creamy vegetarian main course made with a variety of mushrooms, white wine aromatics, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for an elegant dinner.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
Full Ingredient List
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1½ pounds mixed mushrooms, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1½ cups uncooked Arborio rice, rinsed
- ⅔ cup dry white wine
- 5 cups warmed vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Mushroom Base
Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large skillet
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 tablespoons | extra-virgin olive oil | ||
| 1½ pounds | mixed mushrooms | chopped | |
| 1 medium | yellow onion | chopped | |
| 2 | garlic cloves | finely chopped | |
| 1 tablespoon | fresh thyme leaves | ||
| 1½ cups | Arborio rice | rinsed | |
| ⅔ cup | dry white wine | ||
| 5 cups | vegetable broth | warmed | |
| ½ cup | pecorino or Parmesan cheese | grated, plus more for serving | vegan Parmesan |
| as needed | fresh parsley | chopped, for garnish |
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add mushrooms, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook for 8 minutes, then set aside. (Tips: Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.)
- Step 2: Wipe the pan, add remaining olive oil, onion, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, add garlic, thyme, and rice. Cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add the white wine and cook for 1 to 3 minutes until reduced.
- Step 4: Add broth ¾ cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. Incorporate two-thirds of the mushrooms with the final addition. (Tips: Stir frequently to achieve the desired creaminess.)
- Step 5: Stir in the cheese, adjust seasoning. Top with remaining mushrooms, garnish with parsley and additional cheese before serving.
Additional Information
Notes: For a vegan variation, omit cheese and use vegan Parmesan as a topping. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or stock for better consistency.