Imagine a bowl of the creamiest, most comforting risotto, rich with the earthy flavor of savory mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh thyme. Many people think risotto is difficult, but this recipe will prove that it’s actually a simple, soothing process of stirring and patience. The reward is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a special date night, a cozy dinner party, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly wonderful.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins (includes stirring time)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Mushroom Risotto:
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided
- 1 lb Cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Warm the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process. This is a key step for a creamy risotto!
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they have released their liquid and are nicely browned, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove about a quarter of the mushrooms and set aside for garnish.
- Sauté Aromatics and Toast Rice: To the pot with the remaining mushrooms, add the chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the edges of the grains look translucent.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook until the wine has been completely absorbed by the rice.
- Add Broth, One Ladle at a Time: Add one ladleful of warm broth to the rice and stir gently but frequently until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Continue Stirring: Continue adding the broth, one ladle at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20-25 minutes. Stirring frequently releases the starches from the rice, which creates the classic creamy texture.
- Check for Doneness: After about 20 minutes, start tasting the rice. It’s done when it’s ‘al dente’—cooked through but still with a slight bite in the center. You may not need to use all of the broth.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and creamy. Season with more salt and pepper to your taste.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the risotto immediately in warm bowls, topped with the reserved sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of extra thyme.
Recipe Notes:
- Why Warm Broth? Adding cold liquid to the hot pan will cool everything down and shock the rice, resulting in an uneven texture. Keeping the broth warm ensures the risotto cooks evenly and continuously.
- The Right Rice is Crucial: Arborio is the classic choice for risotto due to its high starch content. Other great options are Carnaroli or Vialone Nano. Do not rinse the rice before cooking, as this removes the starch needed for creaminess.
- Stir, Don’t Slaves: You don’t need to stir constantly, but frequent, gentle stirring is what encourages the rice to release its starches and create that creamy sauce.
- Mushroom Variations: While cremini mushrooms are fantastic, feel free to use a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- No Wine? No Problem: If you prefer not to use wine, you can simply deglaze with an extra ladle of broth and a small squeeze of lemon juice at the end to add a touch of acidity.
There you have it—a luxurious, restaurant-quality mushroom risotto made in the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s a truly rewarding dish to make and even more wonderful to eat. Enjoy every creamy, comforting spoonful! Happy cooking!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 650; Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 15g); Carbohydrates: 75g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 22g; Sodium: 1100mg; Fiber: 4g;
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
