Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe

As someone who truly appreciates the art of comfort food, nothing quite beats the mesmerizing dance of stirring up a creamy risotto, where each grain of Arborio rice becomes a vessel of dreamy flavors and luxuriously rich textures.

I enjoy the silky feel of this creamy mushroom risotto. The nuttiness of Arborio rice is a perfect match for the unfussy flavor of fresh mushrooms, and a tiny drizzle of dry white wine rounds it out.

I think you’ll appreciate the depth of flavor that a shower of grated Parmesan and a small pat of butter provide.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe Ingredients

• Arborio rice: Short-grain rice, rich in carbohydrates, creates creamy texture.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavor and helps sauté.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable, adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic bulb, offers bold flavor and potential health benefits.
• Mushrooms: Low-calorie fungi, provide umami taste and nutrients.
• White wine: Adds acidity and depth, balances rich risotto.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds creaminess and savory, nutty taste.
• Unsalted butter: Rich dairy fat, enhances creamy texture.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make this Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe

1. In a big frying pan or saucepan, pour the olive oil and set the burner to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté until it is just translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Place Arborio rice in a pan. Stir well to coat the rice with oil and lightly toast for about 2 minutes.

4. Add the white wine and stir until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.

5. Start adding the warm broth, one cup at a time. Stir often and hold off on adding more broth until most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. Keep on adding the broth and stirring until the rice is creamy and has reached the texture you are looking for, usually about 18-20 minutes.

7. In a large bowl, stir together the grated cheese and unsalted butter with the warm risotto. Mix well, until the cheese has melted and the risotto is a lovely creamy texture.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste.

9. Allow the risotto to rest off the heat for a few minutes.

10. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley and serve steaming! This is your risotto, and you should enjoy it!

Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan or saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Grater
8. Ladle
9. Large bowl
10. Heat-resistant gloves or pot holders
11. Serving plate or bowl

FAQ

• Can I use another type of rice instead of Arborio?Although Arborio rice is perfect for risotto because of its creamy consistency, other short-grain rice varieties, such as Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, can stand in for it.
• Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?Certainly! You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth in equal amounts, plus a squeeze of lemon juice, to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?Just substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the dish friendly to vegetarians.
• Can I add other vegetables to the risotto?Of course! You can include vegetables like peas, spinach, or asparagus. Add them halfway through the cooking process and stir in.
• What is the key to a perfect risotto texture?When warm broth is added little by little and constant stirring is maintained, the rice releases starch, which makes for a creamy texture.
  
• How long does it take to cook risotto?Cooking Arborio rice to an al dente texture typically takes about 18-20 minutes.
• Can I reheat risotto?You can indeed reheat risotto on the stovetop without much fuss. Just remember: it’s not a one-and-done situation. If you reheat risotto on the stovetop, it’ll take a few steps and a few minutes. And, if you want to use the stovetop method, you’ll need to add back some liquid in order to restore the creamy consistency for which risotto is known. A bit of broth or just plain water will do.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Arborio rice has two almost identical Italian rice cousins, Carnaroli and Vialone Nano. Both have the same creamy texture and a similar taste to Arborio, and both are also good starters for risotto. If you find yourself without any of them, do not despair — you can still make a very good risotto.
Butter or coconut oil are good substitutes for olive oil.
Replace fresh mushrooms with dried mushrooms that have been rehydrated in warm water. Alternatively, use cremini or portobello mushrooms for a flavor that is richer.
Substitute equal parts chicken or vegetable broth for dry white wine.

For acidity, use a smaller amount of apple cider vinegar.

Of course, there are more ways to attractively pair food with wine.
Pecorino Romano cheese or nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free dish.

Pro Tips

1. Use Warm Broth Keeping the broth warm helps maintain the cooking temperature of the risotto, ensuring even cooking. Adding cold broth can shock the rice and slow down the cooking process.

2. Consistent Stirring Stir the risotto consistently but not continuously. This helps release the rice’s starches, giving it a creamy texture, without turning it into mush.

3. Avoid Rushing the Process Adding the broth slowly and allowing the rice to absorb it gradually is crucial. This develops the creamy texture and flavors properly, so don’t rush this step.

4. Taste During Cooking As you approach the end of the cooking time, taste the risotto to check for doneness. You want the rice to be al dente—cooked through but still with a slight bite.

5. Finish with Quality Ingredients Use high-quality Parmesan for the final step. The better the cheese, the more flavorful and luxurious your risotto will be. Also, try finishing with a small drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added richness.