Venerable Mushroom Risotto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply savory risotto featuring a medley of foraged mushrooms and aged Parmesan, embodying the earthy essence of 'old' ingredients. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs arborio rice, mixed mushrooms, medium shallot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely chop 1 medium shallot and slice 8 oz mixed mushrooms; melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add shallot and mushrooms. Sauté for 8 minutes until mushrooms release liquid and brown slightly.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 cups arborio rice to the saucepan, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to coat the grains in butter and cook off raw rice flavor.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine, stirring until fully absorbed (about 2 minutes), then begin adding 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: After each addition of broth, wait until rice absorbs it before adding more, cooking for 20-22 minutes total until rice is al dente and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to thicken.
  6. Step 6: Finish with remaining 1 tbsp unsalted butter, stirring until melted and glossy. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Venerable Mushroom Risotto take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Venerable Mushroom 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 Venerable Mushroom 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 Venerable Mushroom 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 Venerable Mushroom 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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