Italian > Risottos

Bel Paese and Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup Bel Paese cheese, grated
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Grater

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and tender.

3. Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.

4. Pour in the white wine and stir until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.

5. Begin adding the chicken or vegetable broth to the pan, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next.

6. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite, about 20-25 minutes.

7. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Bel Paese cheese until it is melted and well combined.

8. Season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve the risotto hot, garnished with chopped parsley.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 800mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bel Paese cheese can be substituted with fontina or gouda cheese.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the risotto for a protein boost.
- Substitute the mushrooms with asparagus or peas for a different flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the risotto to prevent the rice from breaking apart.
- Keep the broth warm in a separate pot to speed up the cooking process.
- Add a splash of cream or milk for a creamier texture.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the risotto in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the risotto in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the risotto is too dry, add more broth or water.
- If the risotto is too wet, cook for a few more minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the rice thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the northern region of Lombardy.

Flavor profiles:
The Bel Paese cheese adds a creamy and slightly nutty flavor to the risotto, while the mushrooms add an earthy and savory taste.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main course or as a side dish to a larger meal.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Savory, Earthy, Nutty, Rich