This mushroom risotto combines the rich, earthy flavors of fresh mushrooms with creamy rice and herbs for a dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this mushroom risotto recipe is a gourmet meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Risotto is a simple Italian dish with short grain rice cooked to a creamy consistency (without cream) by adding small bits of warm broth and stirring frequently. The stirring releases starches that make the rice decadent and delicious!
Ingredients for Risotto
Rice: Arborio rice is a short grain rice used for risotto because as it cooks, it releases starch creating a creamy consistency. You can find it at most grocery stores with the rice or online here. Other types of rice can change the texture or become mushy. Olive Oil and Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness. Mushrooms: Any mushroom variety works, I love brown mushrooms (baby bella mushrooms) for their flavor. Try a combination of wild mushrooms, button mushrooms, or porcini mushrooms. White Wine: Wine adds flavor (use extra broth if you don’t want wine). Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. Broth: Use warm chicken broth, chicken stock, or mushroom broth for the best flavor. Vegetable broth can be used but tends to have a sweeter flavor. Parmesan Cheese: This adds umami and is a beautiful finish to this dish. Add extra for garnish.
Tips for Creamy Risotto
Risotto can seem intimidating since we often enjoy it at fancy restaurants but, to be honest, it’s pretty easy! Here are a few tips for success. Truffle oil isn’t expensive and a tiny bit goes a long way. Since each recipe needs just a dash or a drizzle, a bottle can flavor countless meals. Truffle oil spray lasts a long time and can be added to rice, pasta, or even frozen french fries just before serving to turn them into a gourmet treat!
Precook the veggies/mushrooms: When adding vegetables to risotto, you want to heat everything through, but the veggies should be pre-cooked. Toast the Rice: Just like grilled chicken or the brown bits at the bottom in beef stew add flavor. Toast the rice until golden for flavor. Heat the Broth: Heat the liquids before adding bit by bit. Either keep a second pot on the stove or heat in the microwave. If the broth is not warm, it stops the cooking process each time you add some. Stir Frequently: Stirring helps release starches resulting in a creamy dish. Add Broth in Small Doses: Ladle in a little bit of broth and then allow it to evaporate (while frequently stirring), and then add a bit more. It takes a bit of time but it’s easy to make!
To Make Ahead
You can make risotto ahead of time, cook it about halfway and then cool. Before serving, continue cooking and proceed with the recipe until the rice is al dente with a creamy texture.
What to Serve with Mushroom Risotto
Just like a mushroom pasta dish, this risotto is rich, creamy, and full of flavor! As a Main Dish: A crisp salad with a bright, tangy vinaigrette is a favorite. As a Side dish: Serve it with a simple oven-baked chicken breast to really let the risotto shine! Add a simple dish of roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Got Leftovers?
Leftover risotto can be kept in the fridge and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
To Reheat: Add a little bit of milk or broth to the leftovers as you reheat it and stir until it is creamy again. To Freeze: Store in an airtight container. Let thaw in the fridge and then reheat following the directions above.
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