Creamy Mushroom Risotto: An Authentic Italian Recipe

Ingredients

1.5 cups Arborio rice
5 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warm
1 cup dry white wine
1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 shallots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Steps and instructions

In a large saucepan, warm the broth over low heat.
Warm 2 tablespoons butter and the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, and cook until soft and releasing their juices, about 5 minutes.
Remove mushrooms and their juices, and set aside.
Add the shallots to the same pan, and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
Add the garlic, and sauté for another minute.
Add the Arborio rice, stir to coat with the shallots, garlic, butter and oil. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the rice has a slightly toasted aroma.
De-glaze the pan with the white wine, stir and cook until the wine has completely evaporated.
Start ladling the warm broth into the rice, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. When the liquid is about 90% absorbed, add another ladle of broth. Repeat until the broth is finished and the rice is al dente (about 20-30 minutes).
Once all the broth is absorbed and the rice is cooked, stir in the mushrooms with their juices.
Remove from heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining butter. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools for making

Large saucepan - Needed to warm the broth and cook the risotto.
Spatula - Useful for stirring the risotto and scraping the bottom of the pan.
Chef's knife - Required to slice the fresh mushrooms.
Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Measuring cups - Needed to accurately measure the rice, broth, and wine.
Measuring spoons - Used to measure precise amounts of garlic, butter, and other seasonings.
Grater - Required to grate the Parmesan cheese.
Ladle - Used to gradually add the warm broth to the risotto.
Stirring spoon - Necessary for continuously stirring the rice and distributing the liquid.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese as a non-dairy alternative.
Truffle Mushroom Risotto: Add a few drops of truffle oil or truffle salt to enhance the mushroom flavor.
Spinach and Mushroom Risotto: Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the risotto during the last few minutes of cooking.
Wild Mushroom Risotto: Use a variety of wild mushrooms such as porcini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
Lemon Mushroom Risotto: Add the juice and zest of a lemon to give the risotto a bright, tangy flavor.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream before serving for a richer and creamier texture.
Parmesan Crusted Mushroom Risotto: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the risotto and broil in the oven until golden and crispy.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the creamy, savory delight of a classic Italian dish with our Mushroom Risotto recipe. This recipe balances the earthy flavors of fresh mushrooms with the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. Laced with butter, garlic, and white wine, this risotto is as comforting as it is flavorful. With its smooth texture and satisfying taste, this dish stands out as a main course or an accompaniment to a meat dish. With our step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to patiently add warm broth to Arborio rice, creating a creamy, starchy sauce while the rice grains remain al dente. Enjoy creating this restaurant-quality meal with a homemade touch.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use a different type of short-grain rice, but Arborio rice is traditionally used for its creamy texture.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can use either chicken or vegetable broth based on your dietary preferences.
Can I substitute the white wine with something else? If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh? Fresh mushrooms are recommended for this recipe, but you can rehydrate dried mushrooms and use them if you prefer.
Is it necessary to continuously stir the risotto? Yes, stirring the risotto helps release the starch from the rice, creating a creamy consistency. It is an important step for achieving the desired texture.
Can I add other ingredients like peas or spinach? Absolutely! You can customize your risotto by adding additional ingredients like peas, spinach, or other vegetables. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when the risotto is done? The risotto is done when the rice is al dente, meaning it is tender but still has a slight firmness to it. Taste and texture are good indicators, but following the approximate cooking time and consistency is important.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Risotto is best when served immediately, as it tends to lose its creamy texture upon reheating. However, you can prepare the mushrooms and other ingredients ahead of time and then cook the rice just before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Risotto is not ideal for freezing as it can become mushy upon thawing. It is best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate the leftovers for a day or two.

Serving dishes and utensils

Saucepan - A large saucepan is needed to warm the broth and cook the risotto.
Large pan or skillet - A large pan or skillet is used to cook the mushrooms and sauté the shallots and garlic.
Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the risotto to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Ladle - A ladle is useful for adding the warm broth to the risotto one ladle at a time.
Grater - A grater is needed to grate the Parmesan cheese.
Chef's knife - A chef's knife is essential for slicing the mushrooms, dicing the shallots, and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the rice, wine, broth, and butter.
Plates and bowls - Plates and bowls are needed for serving the mushroom risotto.
Garnish - Optional garnishes such as fresh parsley can be used to add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Origin stories

Risotto hails from Northern Italy, where the rice dish has been savored for centuries. It was in Milan where risotto truly began to shine in the 16th century, thanks to the area's abundant rice fields. The hearty dish quickly became a staple for Italian families because it was filling yet relatively inexpensive to make. The beauty of risotto lies in its versatility—any number of ingredients can be added to it, making it a dish of endless possibilities. The addition of mushrooms to create mushroom risotto is a beloved favorite, giving the dish a wonderfully earthy, robust flavor. The slow, careful process of cooking the risotto, stirring constantly, is a labor of love, producing a comforting, creamy and indulgent dish that is an emblem of Italian home cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.