“This recipe is a labour of love, fine tuned over years and perfect for when you have the time to cook. The umaminess of mushrooms dried & fresh slowly cooked with arborio rice creates a depth of flavour which is truly special …”
Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 cup Arborio rice
- 200 grams fresh mushrooms sliced
- 6 to a handful dried mushrooms (porcini or mixed)
- 1 onion diced small
- 2 big pods garlic diced
- 2 stalks (2 tbsp) celery diced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 + 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tbsp parmesan cheese (parmigiano reggiano if possible)
Method :
- Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes and slice, keep the soaking water for later
- Warm the stock and keep on a low sim
- In thick bottom pan, heat the olive oil & 1 tbsp butter
- Sweat the onions, garlic and celery for 10 minutes on low heat till translucent but not browned (no colour)
- On high heat add the rice and stir for around 2 minutes till translucent and smells toasted
- Add the wine on low heat and stir till absorbed
- Add the mushrooms, salt & mushroom water and stir till absorbed
- Start adding stock couple of ladles at a time and stirring well whenever the mixture is dry, all on low heat. In case time is short you can increase stock quantity for each addition
- Once al dente (cooked but with a bite) around 30 minutes from the first stock addition add the balance 1 tbsp butter & grated parmesan cheese
- Take the pan off the gas and cover with lid for 3-4 minutes to help relax the rice
- Add a dash of olive oil and enjoy…
Notes:
- This recipe is best for relaxed cooking, so while one can increase stock quantity in every addition, the flavours develop better with more time
- The ingredients really shine in this risotto, so the effort in sourcing parmigiano reggiano cheese, the best dried mushroom is really rewarding and Arborio or any other risotto rice is a must
- The last step of covering and leaving the cooked risotto for 3-4 minutes is essential
- Can add chicken or bacon but not really needed