Aromatic Mushroom Risotto
Restaurant-Quality Mushroom Risotto at Home: A Market Haul Recipe
Indulge in a simple yet elegant meal with this delicious mushroom risotto. It’s perfect for when you crave a sophisticated dish without the fuss. Feel free to add any vegetables you like, especially other mushrooms! For a creamier texture, you can substitute heavy cream with milk and cheese. What’s for lunch today? It’s risotto!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 5 fresh button mushrooms
- 1/2 eggplant
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube (or soy sauce if unavailable)
- A little cheese for topping (optional)
- 2 Tbsp butter or olive oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by melting the butter in a heated pan. Using butter in dishes that require simmering or slow cooking greatly enhances their flavor.
Step 2
Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped green onion and sauté until fragrant. This process will release the natural sweetness of the onion, adding depth to your risotto.
Step 3
Add the thinly sliced button mushrooms and diced eggplant to the pan. Sauté until the mushrooms are lightly browned and the eggplant is tender and slightly translucent. The vegetables will release moisture and flavor, enriching the risotto.
Step 4
When the vegetables are lightly cooked, stir in the cooked rice and 1 cup of water. Mix well, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and start to break down, creating a creamy texture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
As the rice begins to cook and absorb the liquid, pour in the heavy cream and milk. Add the vegetable stock cube and stir until it dissolves completely. If you don’t have stock, you can achieve a similar savory depth with a touch of soy sauce or fish sauce. Continue to simmer, stirring gently, until the risotto reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6
Once the risotto has thickened and reached a creamy consistency, stir in the cheese. You can use grated Parmesan cheese or a slice of processed cheese, stirring until it’s melted and well incorporated, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
Step 7
Serve the warm mushroom risotto immediately in bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or black pepper if desired, for a beautiful presentation that rivals any restaurant. Enjoy your delicious homemade risotto!
