Mushroom Thyme Risotto - Classic Italian

Step 1: Cook Mushrooms

Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to a pan. Add the trimmed and thinly sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and softened.

Step 2: Set Aside Mushrooms

Once cooked, remove the mushrooms from the pan and place them in a plate. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and 3 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Add the chopped yellow onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add the chopped garlic and thyme, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Season Aromatics

Season the sautéed aromatics with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toast Rice

Add 2 cups of Arborio rice to the pan. Mix well with the aromatics, toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes until the edges become translucent.

Step 6: Add Stock Concentrate and Water

Squeeze in 4 veggie stock concentrates and mix thoroughly with the rice. Add 1 cup of water to the rice mixture and stir.

Step 7: Cook Risotto

Cook the rice for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is softened and most of the liquid is absorbed. The rice should be al dente.

Step 8: Add Remaining Water

Add the remaining 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking, stirring until absorbed and the risotto reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 9: Stir in Butter and Parmesan

Stir in the remaining butter until melted and fully incorporated. Add 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and mix until the risotto is creamy.

Step 10: Combine with Mushrooms

Return the cooked mushrooms to the risotto and mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 11: Final Seasoning and Serve

Add more black pepper if desired. Serve the Mushroom Thyme Risotto hot on a plate and garnish with additional shredded Parmesan cheese.

• Stir the risotto constantly to achieve a creamy texture and prevent sticking.

• Use warm vegetable stock or water to avoid shocking the rice and ensure even cooking.

• Adjust the amount of liquid as needed; the rice should be al dente, not mushy or too dry.

• Taste and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) throughout the cooking process.

• Add other vegetables like spinach or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrients.

• Incorporate different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a richer mushroom flavor.

• For a non-vegetarian option, add cooked chicken or shrimp at the end.

• Substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a different cheesy note.