There’s something truly magical about a perfectly cooked risotto. It’s the ultimate culinary hug in a bowl—creamy, comforting, and deeply satisfying. This Double Mushroom Risotto is my absolute go-to. It masterfully combines the intense, woodsy flavor of dried porcini mushrooms with the fresh, meaty bite of shiitakes or portobellos. The best part? This restaurant-worthy dish is surprisingly simple to make at home, relying on pantry staples to create something truly special. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need a lot of fuss for a ton of flavor. Plus, with a simple swap, it easily becomes a decadent vegan meal. Get ready to stir your way to perfection!
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup (15g) dried porcini mushrooms
• 4-5 cups (960ml – 1.2L) vegetable stock
• 1 large pinch saffron threads (optional)
• 4-6 tbsp (57-85g) butter or extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely minced
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) Arborio rice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or water
• 1 cup (100g) fresh shiitake or portobello mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Rehydrate the mushrooms by rinsing them, then soaking in 1-2 cups of hot water until softened. In a separate saucepan, gently warm the vegetable stock over low heat; add the saffron, if using.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Arborio rice to the pot. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the grains are coated in fat and the edges look translucent. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been completely absorbed by the rice.
5. Drain the rehydrated porcini mushrooms (reserving the liquid!), chop them finely, and add them to the rice. Strain the mushroom soaking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any grit, and add about half of it to the pot. Stir until absorbed.
6. Begin adding the warm stock one ladleful (about 1/2 cup) at a time. Stir frequently, waiting until the liquid is almost fully absorbed before adding the next ladleful. Continue this process, stirring often to release the rice’s starches.
7. While the risotto cooks, heat the remaining 2-4 tablespoons of butter or oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fresh sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and slightly crisp, about 10 minutes.
8. After about 20-25 minutes of adding stock, start tasting the rice. It’s ready when it’s al dente—tender with a slight chew in the center. You may not need all of the stock.
9. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat. Stir in the sautéed fresh mushrooms (along with their butter/oil), and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix vigorously for a moment to create a creamy consistency. Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 of 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 15g
• Note: is an estimate and may vary based on used.
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Risotto
• Keep your stock at a gentle simmer. Adding cold liquid will shock the rice and slow the cooking process, resulting in a less creamy texture.
• Don’t discard the mushroom soaking liquid! After straining out any grit, add it to the risotto along with the stock for an extra-deep, earthy flavor boost.
• For a delicious vegan version, use a quality extra virgin olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast at the end adds a wonderful cheesy, savory flavor.
• Get creative with veggies! Stir in blanched peas, chopped green beans, or roasted root vegetables at the very end for a seasonal twist.
FAQ
Q: How can I make this mushroom risotto vegan
A: Absolutely. To make this risotto fully vegan, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil in place of the butter for all steps. Omit the Parmesan cheese at the end. For a cheesy, savory flavor, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast when you would normally add the cheese.
Q: Is this vegetarian risotto a good source of protein
A: This risotto provides about 12g of protein per serving, primarily from the rice, mushrooms, and optional Parmesan. To boost the protein content further, you can stir in a cup of cooked cannellini beans or chickpeas at the end, or top the finished dish with toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Q: What can I use instead of white wine in this risotto
A: If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can easily substitute the white wine. Simply use an equal amount (1/2 cup) of your vegetable stock. For a little extra flavor and to mimic the acidity of wine, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar along with the stock.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian risotto ahead of time
A: Risotto is famously best when served immediately for the creamiest texture. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water and stirring frequently to help restore its creamy consistency.
