Creamy, comforting, and full of earthy flavor, mushroom risotto is one of those dishes that feels elegant enough for a dinner party yet cozy enough for a weeknight meal. Made with Arborio rice, a medley of mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of white wine, every bite is rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying. While risotto requires a little patience, the results are well worth the effort.

This recipe uses a combination of mushrooms for added depth, but you can customize it with your favorites depending on what's available.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Risotto

• 1½ cups Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, or maitake), sliced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 5 cups warm chicken or vegetable stock
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Crispy Parmesan Garnish

• ½ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Stock

Place the stock in a saucepan over low heat and keep it warm throughout the cooking process. Warm stock helps the rice cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the mushrooms and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they become golden brown and their moisture has evaporated.

Stir in the shallot and cook another 2 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice directly to the pan.

Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until each grain is lightly coated and begins turning slightly translucent around the edges.

This helps develop the risotto's signature texture.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine.

Stir continuously until almost completely absorbed.

The wine adds brightness that balances the richness of the finished dish.

Step 5: Slowly Add the Stock

Add one ladle of warm stock at a time.

Stir frequently and allow most of the liquid to absorb before adding the next ladle.

Continue this process for about 20-25 minutes.

The rice should become creamy while remaining slightly firm in the center (al dente).

Step 6: Finish the Risotto

Remove the pan from the heat.

Stir in:

• Parmesan cheese
• Remaining 2 tablespoons butter

Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

If the risotto feels too thick, stir in one final splash of warm stock.

The finished consistency should slowly spread across the plate rather than sit in a stiff mound.

Optional Parmesan Crisp

For a garnish similar to the one in the photo above:

1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle small piles of grated Parmesan into thin circles.
3. Cook 2-3 minutes until golden.
4. Allow to cool completely before lifting from the pan.

They'll become beautifully crisp and add wonderful texture.

Serving Suggestions

Top each bowl with:

• Extra sautéed mushrooms
• Fresh parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Parmesan crisp
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil (optional)

Serve immediately while the risotto is silky and creamy.

Wine Pairing

This earthy mushroom risotto pairs beautifully with several wines, depending on the experience you're looking for.

Turley Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

While Cabernet Sauvignon is often associated with steak, an earthy mushroom risotto is a surprisingly delicious pairing. The mushrooms' rich umami flavors soften the wine's tannins, while the Parmesan cheese complements the Cabernet's notes of dark fruit, leather, graphite, and baking spices. It's an elegant pairing that highlights the savory side of both the food and the wine.

Other Excellent Pairings

• Pinot Noir (especially from Sonoma Coast or Burgundy)
• Nebbiolo
• Syrah
• Chardonnay (lightly oaked)
• Barolo (for a special occasion)

Tips for Perfect Risotto

• Don't rinse the rice. The natural starch is what creates risotto's creamy texture.
• Keep your stock warm. Cold stock slows the cooking process and can affect the consistency.
• Stir regularly, not constantly. Frequent stirring releases starch, but nonstop stirring isn't necessary.
• Serve immediately. Risotto continues to thicken as it sits, so enjoy it fresh off the stove.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly and offers better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

Contributed by Ray Ibanez, E-Commerce Manager for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.