Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe | Vegan & Vegetarian | Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is known for its rich and creamy texture. This dish is made with arborio rice, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and shallots, all cooked together in a flavorful broth until the rice is tender and creamy. The addition of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy, making this dish perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.

History

Risotto has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, with the first known recipe dating back to the 14th century. Originally from Northern Italy, risotto was a way to make use of the abundant rice crops in the region. Over the years, different variations of risotto have been created, with Creamy Mushroom Risotto becoming a popular choice for its earthy flavors and creamy texture.

Ingredients

6.5 cups vegetable stock, blended with 0.5 cup of lemon juice, kept at a low simmer on the stove top
0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cups sliced mushrooms
1 large red onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 shallots, minced
0.33 cup chopped fresh basil
2 cups arborio rice
4 tbsp margarine
0.25 cup nutritional yeast
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Melt 2 tbsp of margarine in a large saucepan.
Add the mushrooms, onions, garlic, and shallots and sauté for a few minutes.
Add the rice and stir for two minutes.
Add 0.5 cup of the simmering stock to the pot and stir until it is absorbed.
Continue adding 0.5 cup of stock at a time, and let it absorb into the rice before adding the next ladleful. Don't worry! 2 cups of rice will indeed absorb 7 cups of liquid. The rice will begin to release starch and the whole mixture will take on a creamy consistency.
Once all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is al dente, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped basil, nutritional yeast, the remaining 2 tbsp of margarine, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a different flavor profile
Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for a more traditional risotto flavor

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use arborio rice for this recipe, as it has a high starch content that helps create the creamy texture of the risotto.

- Stir the risotto constantly while adding the broth to help release the starch from the rice and create a creamy consistency.

- Use a low simmer when heating the broth to keep it at a consistent temperature while cooking the risotto.

- Add the broth slowly, allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding more. This helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Mushroom Risotto can be served as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the mushrooms, onions, garlic, and shallots before adding the rice to develop their flavors

- Stir constantly while adding the broth to release the starch from the rice and create a creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version

- Use white wine instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile

Make Ahead Tips

Risotto is best served immediately after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast before serving - Serve in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Creamy Mushroom Risotto with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 350 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Arborio rice: 45g per serving

- Onions: 10g per serving

- Garlic: 5g per serving

- Shallots: 8g per serving

- Mushrooms: 7g per serving

- Basil: 1g per serving

Fats

- Margarine: 10g per serving

Proteins

- Mushrooms: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Basil: good source of vitamin K and manganese

Alergens

Contains soy (margarine)

Summary

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a rich and creamy dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K and manganese from the basil. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.

Summary

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is rich and creamy, with a cheesy flavor from the addition of nutritional yeast. This dish is high in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K and manganese from the basil. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories. Serve as a main dish or side dish with your favorite protein for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Creamy Mushroom Risotto. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, the kind of day that makes you want to cozy up in the kitchen and cook something warm and comforting. As I flipped through the pages of an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, I stumbled upon a handwritten note tucked away between the pages.

The note was written in faded ink, the handwriting elegant and flowing. It was a recipe for Creamy Mushroom Risotto, a dish I had never attempted before. Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, imagining the rich, savory flavors of the creamy rice dish.

I decided then and there that I would give it a try. After all, the best recipes are often the ones that come from unexpected sources, passed down through generations and shared with love. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions carefully and adding my own personal touch here and there.

As the risotto cooked on the stove, filling the kitchen with the earthy scent of mushrooms and wine, I couldn't help but think of all the other recipes I had learned over the years. From my own mother, who taught me the secret to a perfect apple pie crust, to the Italian neighbor who shared her recipe for homemade pasta sauce, each dish held a special place in my heart.

But there was something different about this Creamy Mushroom Risotto. It felt like a hidden gem, a treasure waiting to be discovered. And as I took my first bite of the rich, creamy rice studded with tender mushrooms, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I couldn't wait to share the recipe with my family and friends, to pass it on to the next generation of cooks and home chefs. I imagined my grandchildren flipping through their own cookbooks one day, finding the same handwritten note and feeling that same sense of curiosity and excitement that I had felt.

And so, as I sat down to enjoy my Creamy Mushroom Risotto, savoring each spoonful and relishing the flavors that danced on my tongue, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the joy that cooking had brought into my life. It was more than just a way to nourish my body – it was a way to nourish my soul, to connect with the past and create memories that would last a lifetime.

As the last of the risotto disappeared from my plate, I made a mental note to write down the recipe in my own handwriting, to pass it on to my children and grandchildren so that they too could experience the magic of this delicious dish. And as I closed the cookbook and cleared the dishes from the table, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.