How to Prepare a Savory Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil
Are you looking for a dish that feels fancy but is easy enough to make at home? Mushroom risotto with truffle oil is the perfect recipe! It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with earthy flavors, and the addition of truffle oil takes it to a whole new level. Even if you’ve never made risotto before, don’t worry—you can follow this simple guide and end up with a delicious meal you’ll be proud of.
What is Risotto?
Risotto is an Italian dish made with a special type of rice called Arborio. It’s not boiled like regular rice. Instead, it’s cooked slowly with broth, giving it a creamy texture. Risotto is super versatile. You can add mushrooms, vegetables, seafood, or cheese to customize it.
In this recipe, we’ll focus on a savory mushroom version and finish it with a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before you begin, gather these ingredients:
- Arborio rice – 1 cup
- Mushrooms (button, cremini, or your favorite) – 8–10 ounces, sliced
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups, heated
- Dry white wine – ½ cup (optional but recommended for flavor)
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Truffle oil – for drizzling
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to prepare mushroom risotto at home:
1. Prepare the broth
Heat 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth in a pot. Keep it warm on low heat because you’ll need to add it to the risotto little by little. Warm broth helps the rice cook evenly.
2. Cook the mushrooms
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 5–7 minutes until they’re browned and tender. Remove the mushrooms and set them aside. You’ll add them back later.
3. Sauté the aromatics
In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chopped onion and garlic until they’re soft and translucent. This step helps build a flavorful base for your risotto.
4. Toast the rice
Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir it frequently for about 2 minutes. Toasting the rice gives it a nutty flavor and prepares it for absorbing the broth.
5. Deglaze with wine (optional)
Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine and stir until the liquid has mostly evaporated. The wine adds depth to the dish, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can skip this step.
6. Start adding broth
Now comes the fun part: cooking the risotto! Add a ladleful (about ½ cup) of warm broth to the rice and stir. Let it simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Keep repeating this process: add broth, stir, and let it absorb. You’ll know the rice is done when it’s creamy and tender but still has a slight bite to it. This usually takes about 18–20 minutes.
7. Add mushrooms
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the mushrooms you prepared earlier. This is when all the flavors come together.
8. Finish with butter and cheese
Take the risotto off the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish even creamier and more flavorful.
9. Season and drizzle
Taste your risotto and add salt and pepper if needed. Then, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the top. A little truffle oil goes a long way—it adds a luxurious, earthy aroma that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
10. Garnish
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme on top for added color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Risotto
- Use a wide pan: It’s easier to stir the rice evenly in a wide, shallow pan.
- Stir constantly: Stirring helps release the starches from the rice, giving risotto its creamy texture.
- Don’t rush: Risotto takes time but is worth it! Cooking it slowly ensures the rice absorbs all the flavors.
- Be mindful with truffle oil: Start with just a few drops and taste before adding more—it’s strong!
Serve and Enjoy!
Mushroom risotto with truffle oil is best served immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal or serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. Either way, it’s sure to impress your family or dinner guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This risotto is not only delicious but also a great way to practice your cooking skills. It combines simple ingredients to create a dish full of rich, complex flavors. The mushrooms add a meaty texture (perfect for vegetarians!), while the truffle oil elevates the meal to restaurant-quality levels.
Once you master this recipe, you can experiment with other risotto flavors—try adding peas, asparagus, or even saffron. But for now, enjoy the savory goodness of mushroom risotto with truffle oil!
Happy cooking! 😊
