Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is one of the great Italian classics. We give you our take on a lovely mushroom risotto, where taste and texture come together to create a magical, savoury, and earthy union. It makes for a wonderful main course but can also be served as a starter or as a side to fish, poultry, or meat. All in all, this Italian classic is a well-rounded choice for dinner and one of a kind with umami from both mushrooms and cheese.
Ingredients
|
Butter
|
10 g |
|---|---|
|
Bananas shallots, finely chopped
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2 |
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Garlic cloves, finely chopped
|
2 |
|
Mixed mushrooms
|
500 g |
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Risotto rice
|
200 g |
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White wine
|
200 ml |
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Chicken broth
|
1 l |
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Cheddar cheese, grated
|
175 g |
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Lemon zest
|
2 tsp |
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Double cream
|
100 ml |
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Chopped fresh parsley
|
1 handful |
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Coarse salt
|
1 tsp |
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Freshly ground pepper
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For serving
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Bread
|
240 g |
|---|
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Tip
We recommend picking a dry, crisp white wine for this dish, for example, a Chablis, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. They provide a lovely aroma without overpowering the mushroom flavour.
Tip
If you are not sure how to know if mushroom risotto is done, check the rice. When you take a bite, the grains of rice should be firm but not crunchy. The risotto itself should hold in the middle when plated and still liquid enough to spread out slightly around the edges. Do not let it get too liquid and it should definitely not be as dry as regular cooked rice.
Questions about mushroom risotto
With our recipe for mushroom risotto, we guide you through each step so that you will end up with a creamy dish with a deliciously savoury, earthy mushroom flavour. Below you can find out more to help you succeed with this recipe. Continue reading to learn more!
What is mushroom risotto?
How to make mushroom risotto?
Can you freeze mushroom risotto?
What to serve with mushroom risotto?
How long does mushroom risotto last in the fridge?
Other recipes
Classic mushroom risotto with white wine
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This classic Italian mushroom risotto offers a perfect combination of rich and creamy flavours with cheese, mixed mushrooms, chicken broth, and cream. A big splash of white wine lends flavour to the risotto, while the acidity of the wine helps balance the richness of the classic dish. A bit of lemon zest and fresh parsley provide the dish with a subtle burst of freshness.
If you have not yet tried it before, it may seem a bit troublesome as it requires constant attention and stirring, but it will definitely be worth it, and if you follow the instructions given in the recipe, it is much easier than it may seem.
You should also have a look at some of our other amazing recipes, for example, a creamy mushroom sauce with chanterelles and cremini mushrooms, a chickpea curry with fried cheese, or an Indian-inspired cauliflower curry with curry paste and ginger.
Choose a flavourful mix of mushrooms
Risotto, at its core, is just rice and broth, making it a perfect blank slate for delicious flavours and aromas. Adding mushrooms to the mix is a great way to enhance the taste and flavour of the creamy dish. You can choose any mix of mushrooms as long as they are firm and smooth, but we have a few suggestions that might make it easier to find the right pick, whether you prefer a dried mushroom risotto or a wild mushroom risotto.
Portobello mushrooms bring a smoky and savoury flavour that creates an authentic experience straight from Italy. Chanterelle mushrooms stand out with their bright yellow colour and distinct flavour. Bursting with peppery and apricot notes, these mushrooms blend well with white wine. For a rich, smoky flavour, dried porcini is the best option. You will get a delicious porcini mushroom risotto with a slightly chewier texture and a deep, nutty aroma.
How to get the perfect consistency in risotto with mushrooms
The secret behind a creamy mushroom risotto is a rich and flavourful broth. As the rice is left to simmer with the chicken broth, it will slowly absorb the liquid and, thereby, the rich flavour from the broth. The dish achieves its creamy texture through constant stirring and gradually adding more broth to the rice once the liquid is absorbed. This allows the rice to release its starch slowly, creating a deliciously creamy consistency.
Put a spin on a classic
A truffle mushroom risotto is an elegant take on the traditional classic guaranteed to impress. It is a really simple dish to throw together. Stick to the easy mushroom risotto recipe and add 2 tablespoons of truffle oil after adding the cheese and give the mixture a good stir. The truffle oil has an earthy, pungent taste that complements the mushrooms and gives the dish a rich boost. You can use either black or white truffle oil. For a more mellow taste with acidic and garlicky aromas, go with white truffle oil. If you prefer something a bit sweeter, black truffle oil is the best pick. Just make sure to use a high-quality one to make sure you get enough truffle flavour and a good flavour-and-oil ratio.
If you love bacon, you should try making bacon and mushroom risotto. It is just as scrumptious as the truffle version but with a little crunch. Simple fry small pieces of bacon and sprinkle the bits on top of the risotto. It adds a delicious crispness to each bite.
