30 mins
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Recipe by Graham
Wild Mushroom Risotto is soooooo good, you just keep making it and making it. This particular recipe came direct from a "limited" conversation with the chef at the Hotel Doge at Alba Adriatica in North-East Italy (I don't speak Italian and he didn't speak English or French!). Bearing in mind that they were feeding about 200 people at each meal, you'll realise that I had to "scale down" the ingredients just a little!! But the end result is a tasty, succulent risotto that will make you keep going back for more.
Whole Wheat Pudding 
Winter's Evening Chilli con Carne Ingredients for Wild Mushroom Risotto
Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements
How to Cook Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Peel and slice the ½ onion. Heat half the oil in a heavy-based pan over a medium-low heat and lightly sweat the onion for about 5 minutes, but don't let it colour. Add the rice and a 'heavy-handed splash' of white wine. Pour in enough of the stock to just cover the rice and increase the heat. As the stock comes to a low boil, keep working the risotto. This allows it to absorb the stock and intensifies the flavour. Gradually add more stock as the liquid is absorbed.
- Rinse and roughly chop the mushrooms (not too small). Heat the remaining oil in a separate pan and add the mushrooms. Cook gently for 5-8 minutes (keep adding the stock and stirring the risotto in the meantime!). Chop some fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley or chives - but not basil) and add these to the mushrooms. Add some truffle oil (optional) but check the taste since it adds a more intense flavour to the risotto.
- Stir the mushrooms into the risotto and serve with some grated or thinly sliced parmesan (and a sprig of fresh thyme if you have it). Eat hot.
GRAHAM'S HOT TIP:
If you want to stay fully focussed on stirring (working) the risotto, you can prepare your mushrooms first and just keep them warm in the meanwhile.
The best match for this fabulous mushroom risotto is a Barbera d'Asti Superiore (at least 5 years old). Fruity Italian reds work well with mushroom risotto (Dolcetto is another example). They have great intensity and character but also enough bottle age to mellow well. It's a useful wine that would comfortably take you right through a whole Italian meal.Reviews of Wild Mushroom Risotto
 January 28 2014Restaurant quality for sure. I followed this recipe exactly and it was absolutely delicious!! Will make at my next dinner party. Very elegant and I've eaten a lot of risotto at restaurants. Beats them all. I used cremini, shiitake, oyster mushrooms which they have at my local store. My husband thinks this is spectacular, and he's right. Mandy2 (1 review) |
 February 15 2013Since my 'grown up' children just refuse to eat mushrooms, I take great pleasure in making this dish when they're in the house! Cutting the mushrooms slowly while they saunter about the kitchen, and stirring the risotto for as long as it takes! I've made this around 5 times now - and it keeps getting better each time. Almost can do it without looking! My 'kids' don't know what they're missing! Maisie (1 review) |
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