Hertel Avenue-Inspired Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
A creamy risotto bursting with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach, reflecting the cozy, neighborhood charm of North Buffalo's Hertel Avenue. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs arborio rice, olive oil, small, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 cups, washed and roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups, kept warm vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms, cooking for 5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup arborio rice, coating the grains in oil and toasting for 2 minutes until slightly translucent at the edges.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir continuously until it is almost fully absorbed.
- Step 5: Begin adding 4 cups warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each ladle is absorbed before adding the next, cooking for 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and tender but still has a slight bite.
- Step 6: Stir in 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and mix in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir until melted and creamy, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hertel Avenue-Inspired Mushroom and Spinach Risotto take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hertel Avenue-Inspired Mushroom and Spinach Risotto?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hertel Avenue-Inspired Mushroom and Spinach Risotto?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hertel Avenue-Inspired Mushroom and Spinach Risotto for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Hertel Avenue-Inspired Mushroom and Spinach Risotto vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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