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Creamy Mushroom Risotto

A luxurious, authentic Italian risotto featuring a mix of dried porcini and fresh cremini mushrooms, finished with butter and parmesan for the perfect creamy texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Broth Base
  • 1 oz dried porcini mushrooms optional but recommended
  • 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth kept hot
Risotto
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 lb mixed fresh mushrooms cremini, shiitake, or button, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups Arborio rice
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves only
The Finish (Mantecatura)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 0.5 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch Oven
  • Saucepan (for broth)
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Place dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl with 1 cup boiling water. Soak for 20 mins. Remove mushrooms, chop roughly. Strain liquid and add to your broth in a saucepan. Keep broth simmering.
  2. In a heavy pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced fresh mushrooms. Sauté until browned (5-6 mins). Season lightly with salt. Remove mushrooms from pot and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Add onions and cook until translucent (3-4 mins). Add garlic and thyme, cook 1 min.
  4. Add Arborio rice. Toast, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until grains are translucent at edges.
  5. Deglaze with white wine. Stir until wine is fully evaporated.
  6. Begin adding hot broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait for liquid to be mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle. Continue for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender but al dente.
  7. Stir the cooked mushrooms (and chopped porcini) back into the rice.
  8. Remove pot from heat. Add cold butter and parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously to create a creamy emulsion. Season with salt/pepper.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

Notes

Stir frequently but not constantly. The rice should always be moist, never dry.