Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Risotto is a fantastic recipe to feature on your cooking channel because it allows you to demonstrate key cooking techniques such as sautéing, simmering, and stirring. It’s also highly customizable, so you can showcase your creativity by incorporating various ingredients and flavor combinations, making it an engaging and versatile dish to prepare and share with your audience. Additionally, risotto requires attention and patience, providing ample opportunities to discuss tips for achieving the perfect creamy texture and flavor balance. Sharing this recipe on your cooking channel not only showcases your culinary skills but also invites viewers to join you on a journey of culinary exploration and mastery.

Description: Mushroom risotto is a classic Italian dish that combines creamy Arborio rice with flavorful mushrooms, onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for showcasing cooking techniques like sautéing, simmering, and stirring. This recipe allows for endless variations, making it ideal for demonstrating creativity and adaptability on your cooking channel.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Serving size: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake), sliced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over medium heat. Keep it warm while you prepare the risotto.
• In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
• Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are tender and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
• If using, pour in the white wine and cook until it has evaporated, stirring constantly.
• Begin adding the warm broth to the skillet, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Repeat this process until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Remove the risotto from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!