1Make the mushroom broth and start the 15 minute simmer, or combine 1 quart vegetable broth, 4 cups water, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a saucepan and place it over low heat.
2Simmer the broth while completing steps 2, 3 and 4.
3Finely mince the onion, then place it in a bowl and reserve.
4Slice the mushrooms (a mix of baby bella and baby shiitake were used).
5Add 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
6Add the mushrooms and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes.
7Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, then remove from the pan and set aside.
8In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
9Add the minced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until tender.
10Add the garlic powder and rice and cook, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes until the rice starts to turn light brown.
11Stir in the wine and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed, about 2 minutes.
12Add two ladles of the hot broth to the risotto.
13Cook, stirring occasionally until the liquid is fully absorbed, then add two more ladles of broth.
14Continue cooking in this manner for about 12 minutes, adding two ladles and stirring.
15Taste a grain of rice; if it’s creamy but still al dente in the center, proceed to the final step; otherwise, continue to cook and add broth for a few more minutes.
16When the rice is al dente, reduce the heat to low.
17Add two more ladles of broth, the Parmesan cheese and a few grinds of black pepper.
18Stir vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until you’ve got a thick and creamy risotto.
19Stir in the sautéed mushrooms.
20Taste and add additional kosher salt if desired.
21Serve topped with lemon zest, Parmesan shavings, fresh thyme, and black pepper.
22Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days, noting that the texture will become less creamy when chilled.
23Reheat on the stovetop and add a little extra broth and Parmesan cheese, and a few pinches salt to taste.
1 pound fresh mushrooms: a mix of baby bella (aka cremini), button, shiitake, portobello, oyster, or other
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups white arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay (optional but recommended)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
0.5 Zest from lemon
freshly ground black pepper
fresh thyme
Equipment
large skilletsaucepanbowl
Tips
Use arborio rice as it plumps up when cooked with liquid.
Heat the broth first for better cooking.
Add warm broth two ladles at a time and stir until rice is al dente (about 12 minutes).
Add Parmesan and the mushrooms once rice is al dente, stirring vigorously for 2 minutes for creaminess.
Risotto is best freshly made; leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days but will be less creamy. Reheat with additional broth and Parmesan.
To speed up prep, make the mushroom broth and sauté mushrooms in advance.