Risotto ai Funghi: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Risotto ai Funghi
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- A large saucepan or skillet
- A wooden spoon
- A ladle
- A large bowl for mixing
- A cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or porcini, sliced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup dry white wine optional, but recommended
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. It should be warm but not boiling when you add it to the rice.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and their moisture has evaporated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and toast slightly. This step is essential for the perfect texture.
- Deglaze with Wine (if using):
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice.
- Add the Broth:
- Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. This process helps release the starch from the rice, creating that creamy texture.
- Continue Cooking:
- Repeat the process of adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is al dente and has absorbed a creamy consistency. You may not need all the broth, so taste the rice for doneness.
- Finish the Risotto:
- Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Spoon the risotto into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
- Variations
- Add Proteins: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and add extra vegetables like peas or spinach.
- Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or sage for added flavor.
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, then Risotto ai Funghi is a perfect choice. This delightful mushroom risotto is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a great option for any occasion. It combines Arborio rice, which is known for its creamy texture, with a rich broth and earthy mushrooms, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that mastering this dish will impress your family and friends, and it’s easier than it might seem. So, let me show you how I make this wonderful Risotto ai Funghi.
Notes on What to Expect
You can expect a creamy, rich risotto that is bursting with the umami flavor of mushrooms. The key is patience and attention; the slow addition of broth ensures the rice cooks evenly and releases its starches, creating that desired creamy consistency.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: Around $15 (depending on mushroom variety)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
Equipment Needed
- A large saucepan or skillet
- A wooden spoon
- A ladle
- A large bowl for mixing
- A cutting board and knife
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto ai Funghi now.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or porcini), sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto ai Funghi now.
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. It should be warm but not boiling when you add it to the rice.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and their moisture has evaporated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and toast slightly. This step is essential for the perfect texture.
- Deglaze with Wine (if using):
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice.
- Add the Broth:
- Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. This process helps release the starch from the rice, creating that creamy texture.
- Continue Cooking:
- Repeat the process of adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is al dente and has absorbed a creamy consistency. You may not need all the broth, so taste the rice for doneness.
- Finish the Risotto:
- Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Spoon the risotto into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Variations
- Add Proteins: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and add extra vegetables like peas or spinach.
- Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or sage for added flavor.
Tips
- Stirring: Frequent stirring is key to a creamy risotto, so don’t skip this step!
- Broth Temperature: Always add warm broth to the rice to maintain the cooking temperature.
- Storage: Risotto is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the broth is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil instead of butter.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto ai Funghi now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
I hope this guide has made making Risotto ai Funghi seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking journey!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>