Cozy Winter Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto

Cozying up with a warm bowl of chanterelle mushroom risotto, the perfect winter comfort food.

Are you looking for a warm and comforting dish that doesn't require too much effort? Then this cozy chanterelle mushroom risotto is just the recipe you need! Combining the rich flavors of sautéed mushrooms with delicious arborio rice, it's a hearty yet healthy meal perfect for any night in. This vegetarian-friendly dish can also be made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it light but still flavorful! Plus, we've included some helpful tips on selecting the best ingredients so your result looks (and tastes!) as amazing as possible. So don’t hesitate any longer – gather those ingredients and cook!

This yummy dish is not only full of vibrant earthy flavors but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chanterelles are incredibly rich in dietary fiber, vitamins D and B12, proteins, and minerals like zinc, iron & potassium—and provide essential antioxidants to our bodies to help ward off cancer-causing free radicals. When combined with the vegetables and spices that create this particular recipe – it’s the perfect way to nourish your body while delighting your tastebuds!

Why Arborio Rice Is Key To Risotto

Arborio rice is a variety of short-grain rice essential for making traditional Italian risotto. The key to a perfectly creamy and flavorful risotto lies in the starches in this specific rice type. Arborio rice has more starch than other short-grain rice, resulting in a creamy texture that is the hallmark of classic risotto dishes. This is because the starch acts like a natural thickener, creating an overall creamy consistency as it releases during cooking.

Additionally, Arborio rice absorbs liquid differently than other types of rice; it releases liquid gradually but retains its shape throughout the cooking process, ensuring each grain has a perfect al dente texture. As such, it's no surprise that Arborio is the go-to choice when looking to create authentic Italian risotto recipes.

Why Long-Grain Rice Will Not Work In Risotto

Risotto requires a creamy texture that is achieved by using short-grained rice. Long grain rice, like Thai or Jasmine, has a much firmer texture when cooked and doesn't release enough starch to create the desired creamy texture of a good risotto. Also, long-grain rice typically cooks more quickly than short-grain rice, which may not cook evenly with the other ingredients. Lastly, long-grain rice typically has less flavor than short-grain rice, so if you're looking for a flavorful risotto, you should stick to short-grained varieties such as arborio or carnaroli.

Cozy Winter Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Makes 6-8 servings

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

1 lb fresh chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 fresh chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and sliced for roasting
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups Arborio rice
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp basil
1 tbsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish: Red chili flakes & roasted chanterelle

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW:

Preheat oven to 400F. In a baking sheet, add in sliced chanterelle mushrooms and coat with olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes.

While the mushrooms are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes until they are softened. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted.

Slowly pour in the broth, constantly stirring, one cup at a time. Continue to cook the risotto, frequently stirring, until the rice is tender and the liquid is creamy.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes if desired.