This Porcini Mushroom Risotto recipe is the epitome of comfort food with a luxurious twist. Infused with the rich, earthy flavors of porcini mushrooms and perfectly cooked rice, this risotto is creamy, indulgent, and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect dish for when you want to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home. It’s a cozy, comforting dish that brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
If you're searching for a dish that will impress your in-laws or give your family a taste of luxury, look no further than Porcini Mushroom Risotto.
This dish combines earthy and aromatic porcini mushrooms with rice, a splash of white wine, a bit of cheese, and fresh herbs to create a flavor that can only be described as magical.
Follow along, and I'll show you just how easy it is.
Ingredients
- Butter: If you're dairy-free, don't fret—high-quality olive oil can be a wonderful substitute, adding its own depth of flavor.
- Small Onion: Yellow onions are your best bet for their balance of sweet and savory, but feel free to use shallots for a milder taste or even red onions for a bit of color.
- Sea Salt: Adjust the amount to taste.
- Dry White Wine: Choose a wine that you would drink. Non-alcoholic? No problem! A mix of white grape juice with a splash of vinegar can mimic the acidity of wine beautifully or you can just use a bit more broth.
- Rice: The star of the show, Carnaroli rice, known as the 'caviar of rice', ensures a creamy, al dente finish. Arborio rice is a more common but equally fabulous alternative for achieving that dreamy risotto texture.
- Dried Porcini Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms can also be used; just remember to sauté them first to concentrate their flavor. Feel adventurous? Mix in other mushroom varieties like shiitake or cremini for a fun twist.
- Broth: Preferably homemade, the broth is what slowly cooks the rice to perfection, infusing it with flavor. Chicken, vegetable, or even beef broth can be used, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that is simply irreplaceable. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast flakes can offer a similar cheesy flavor profile, making sure no one misses out on the deliciousness.
- Goat Cheese: If goat cheese isn't your thing, try ricotta for a milder creaminess or feta for a tangy kick.
- Parsley: No parsley? A little basil or chives can also do the trick, adding their unique fresh notes to the dish.
Tips and Tricks
- The Right Rice Makes a Difference: Not all rice is created equal, especially when it comes to risotto. Carnaroli and Arborio rice are my go-to for their creamy texture and ability to stay al dente.
- Patience is Key: Risotto loves attention. The secret to that creamy texture is adding the broth slowly, one ladle at a time, and stirring constantly. This process might test your patience, but trust me, it's worth it.
- To Soak or Not to Soak Your Porcini: Dried Porcini mushrooms pack a punch of flavor, but they need a little TLC before joining the party. Soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to rehydrate them and unlock their earthy goodness. Plus, save that soaking liquid! Strain it and add it to your broth for an extra layer of mushroom magic.
- Let's Talk Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese right off the block makes a world of difference compared to the pre-grated stuff. For an extra touch of creaminess and tang, crumble in some high-quality goat cheese just before serving. Your taste buds will thank you.
- Mushroom Variety: While dried Porcini mushrooms are the stars of this dish, don't be afraid to mix in some fresh mushrooms for varied texture and flavor. Sautéing a mix of cremini, shiitake, or even button mushrooms adds a wonderful earthiness and makes each bite interesting.
More Risotto Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto: This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, proving that gourmet doesn't have to mean time-consuming.
- Caramelized Onion Risotto: This Caramelized Onion Risotto takes the magic of caramelized onions and combines it with creamy arborio rice for a comforting dish.
- Pumpkin Quinoa Risotto: Who said risotto needs rice? This innovative Pumpkin Quinoa Risotto swaps traditional grains for quinoa, adding a delightful nuttiness.
- Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto: For those looking for a low-carb alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor, this Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto is perfect.
Porcini Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 2 ½ cups Carnaroli Rice or any rice suitable for risotto
- 1.5 oz dried Porcini mushrooms rehydrated and diced
- 8 cups broth preferably homemade
- 4 ounces parmesan cheese grated
- 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the broth in a saucepan over medium-low heat to warm.
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add onion and cook for 8 minutes. Add salt and rice and good for one minute. Add diced mushrooms and wine. Cook until the wine is absorbed, about another minute.
- Ladle enough broth to cover and simmer, stirring often, until it is absorbed. Continue to add broth in this manner, stirring often, and cook for about 30 minutes, until rice is tender but still has a bit of bite left. (You may not use all of the broth.)
- Stir in cheeses. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Elizabeth Shaw
This looks great! I love a great mushroom recipe!
lindsay cotter
Sounds like a great service! Exciting to get a new food box delivered to your door every month! This risotto looks so delicious!
Emily Cope MS, RDN
Risotto is most certainly an elegant dish! This looks so beautiful!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
Love everything you received in your food box! This looks like the perfect dinner! I would hide the leftovers too!! LOL
Alisa Fleming
I can't believe how you've made such a simple dish like risotto really pop!
RunToTheFinish
I'm such a newbie in the kitchen I probably would have freaked out a bit looking at all the things I didn't know!!! Then it would have been time to accept the challenge 🙂
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
Gorgeous, I can't stopping staring at your photos! Umami overload- YUM!
Shannon Graham
A simple meal for during the week.