Ingredients
Units
For the mushrooms:
- 3 cups assorted mushrooms (coarsely sliced)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 Tbs butter
- Black pepper
For the risotto:
- 6 cups broth (approximately)
- 1/2 cup sherry or white wine
- 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 1/3 cup minced scallions
- A few sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice
- 4 Tbs butter (diced and cold)
- 1/3 cup grated asiago cheese
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped green onion (to garnish)
Instructions
For the mushrooms:
- In a skillet, heat oil and butter over high heat.
- Add all mushrooms and cook for a few minutes without stirring, until they start to brown a little. Do this over high heat and without salt so the mushrooms brown before they start releasing their water.
- Add a little salt and pepper and cook for 1 more minute, stirring a bit. Reserve.
For the risotto:
- Bring broth to steady, slow simmer in a saucepan.
- Heat butter and oil in a heavy pan over moderate heat. Add scallions, lightly salt, and sauté for 1 or 2 minutes, until beginning to soften, being careful not to brown them.
- Add the rice with the thyme and, using a wooden spoon, stir for 1 minute, making sure the grains are very well coated. Add the sherry or white wine, stir once and let it be until it´s almost absorbed.
- Add ½ cup of broth and half of the mushrooms. Stir well and cook over medium/low heat. Then continue adding the simmering broth, ½ cup at a time, after the last is almost absorbed. Stir frequently, so that the rice releases the starch and it all turns into a creamy mixture.
- The risotto will take about 18 to 20 minutes, the rice will be tender but still firm. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the reserved 4 Tbs butter, asiago cheese, and parsley. Stir vigorously to combine with the rice. Add black pepper and check for salt, and add more if needed.
- Transfer to a serving platter, mound the remaining mushrooms on top, chopped scallions, a drizzle of olive oil and serve immediately. Risotto waits for no one.
Notes
Tips & tricks for making this recipe:
- Mushrooms: have them cleaned and ready. You can use any combination of fresh or dried mushrooms. If dried make sure you hydrate them first.
- Soffrito: I like to use scallions, green onion or leeks when making mushroom risotto. Regular onion also works.
- Stock: I like to have it simmering slowly. Use whatever type of broth or homemade stock you want.
- Herbs: fresh thyme and parsley are my favorites with mushrooms. Chop parsley at the last moment.
- Rice: use good risotto rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli. They are starchier and that is essential for a creamy risotto. You can buy risotto rice (Arborio and Carnaroli) online.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Grains & Legumes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian