- Why is the rice crunchy in the middle?
- You likely didn't use enough liquid or cook it long enough. 'Al dente' rice should have a slight bite, but it shouldn't be crunchy.
- Can I use Jasmine rice?
- No. Risotto requires high-starch, short-grain rice like Arborio or Carnaroli to achieve that creamy texture. Long-grain rice won't work.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan
Risotto isn't just a type of rice; it's a technique. The secret lies in constantly coaxing the starch out of the grains and into the broth. This creates a luxurious creaminess without adding heavy cream. The 'mantecatura' is the final, sacred step: vigorously beating cold butter and cheese into the rice off the heat to create a glossy emulsion.
Ingredients
1 1/2
cups
Arborio or Carnaroli rice
14
oz
fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or wild)
1
medium
yellow onion
2
cloves
garlic
1/2
cup
dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
4
cups
hot vegetable broth
1/4
cup
cold butter (cubed)
3/4
cup
grated Parmesan cheese
2
tbsp
olive oil
1
tsp
kosher salt
1/2
tsp
black pepper
1/4
cup
fresh parsley, chopped
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Wide saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Chef's knife
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Sauté the sliced mushrooms in the olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Tip: If you boil the mushrooms with the rice, they become rubbery. Searing them first intensifies their flavor.
2
✓
In the same pan, sweat the finely chopped onion. Add the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes until the edges of the grains turn translucent.
Tip: Toasting the rice (tostatura) creates a protective shell around the grain, preventing it from turning into mush.
3
✓
Pour in the wine and let it evaporate completely. Then, begin ladling in the hot broth one scoop at a time, stirring frequently and waiting for the liquid to be absorbed before adding more.
Tip: Constant stirring and gradual liquid addition rubs the starch off the grains, creating the creamy sauce.
4
✓
When the rice is tender but still has a slight bite (about 18 minutes), remove from heat. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, cold butter, and Parmesan.
Tip: The cold butter and cheese emulsify with the remaining hot liquid to create a glossy, creamy finish.
5
✓
Cover and let rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Tip: Risotto should be 'all'onda' (wavy/flowing), not a stiff mound.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice
- 14 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or wild)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
- 4 cups hot vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup cold butter (cubed)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped