Mushroom Risotto, A Classic & Easy to Make!

Risotto is one of those dishes that always sounds much more difficult to make than what it really is. I have cooked this for my family, friends and just for myself; it's super easy and delicious too! You'll only need a few things, most importantly; rice and some time.

Here's what you'll need;

3 tbs olive oil
1/2 onion finely minced
a stalk of celery or 2 to your liking
a pinch of salt and pepper
1-2 cups of risotto rice (arborio rice)
a pint of stock.
 - the key is to use twice as much liquids for your rice.
a knob of butter (1 tsb)
about a cup's worth of grated parmesan cheese.
Mushrooms - I just go for the mushrooms I can find or whichever I like, in this recipe I used Shiitake but traditionally you use porcini or other italian mushies
A handful of fresh chopped parsley
about a cup of frozen peas

Many people will tell you to use white wine or white wine vinegar however I don't think it makes a huge difference. You can use white wine vinegar if you'd like. I would add in a splash (or a few tablespoons) as you cook the onion and celery to help them cook.

Here's how to do it;

• Heat the oil in a large pan.
• Finely mince your onion and celery, and sauté over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to help them cook.
• Once they have browned slightly, you will now add in your rice. Allow it to open up slightly and allow it to release some of the starches in the rice.
Make sure you go out of your way to buy arborio rice. The rice will make or break your dish.
• Once the rice is saturated in oil, add in the stock ladles at a time (about 2-3 ladles). Lower the heat slightly to low to medium heat and agitate the rice until the majority of the stock has been absorbed into the rice.
• Repeat this process until you are out of stock.
• As you get closer to the end of the process, add in a knob of butter.
• Once the butter has melted, add in grated parmesano reggiano. Do not use Kraft Parmesan cheese. That "cheese" will not melt, treat yourself. You will thank yourself. Be sure to get proper cheese.
• Once it has melted, add in the chopped parsley and the frozen peas. Give it a good stir and let it rest.
• The mushrooms are my favourite part! You can essentially use any type of mushroom you want but for my video on YouTube, I used Shiitake mushies; however you can use button, porcini, etc.
I like to cook them over dry heat with some salt.
• Once the mushrooms are finished, add them into your dish.

And you're done! Plate up in a bowl, or a regular dinner plate. Once you learn how to make this, it will surely be a regular dinner on your plate 😜

Watch me on YouTube and follow me on Instagram @HisKitch

xRichie