Date Night Mushroom Risotto (Printable)
Enjoy a luxurious, creamy mushroom dish perfect for an intimate evening. Features earthy mushrooms, arborio rice, and rich parmesan.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 9 ounces mixed fresh mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
→ Rice
05 - 3/4 cup arborio rice
→ Liquids
06 - 3 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
07 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
→ Dairy
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
09 - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
→ Oils & Seasonings
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they become translucent.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden brown and their moisture has evaporated. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Add the arborio rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the grains with the oil and cooked vegetables. Continue to toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, or until the edges of the grains appear translucent.
04 - Pour in the dry white wine and stir continuously until the liquid is almost fully absorbed by the rice.
05 - Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful (approximately 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition of liquid to be mostly absorbed by the rice before adding the next. Continue this process for about 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and the risotto has a creamy consistency.
06 - Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
07 - Remove the skillet from the heat and let the risotto rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's surprisingly simple to master, even if risotto has a reputation for being fussy.
- The rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the creamy texture are pure comfort in a bowl.
02 -
- Never add cold broth; it drops the pan's temperature and disrupts the rice's starch release, making your risotto less creamy.
- Stirring frequently, but not constantly, is the sweet spot—it helps release starch but also allows the rice to cook evenly.
03 -
- Use a wide, shallow pan for risotto; it allows the liquid to evaporate more efficiently and the rice to cook evenly.
- Taste your broth before adding it; if it's bland, your risotto will be too, so ensure it has good flavor.