Today we’re making a classic Italian comfort dish: creamy mushroom risotto. This dish is famous for its rich, buttery texture, soft yet slightly chewy rice, and the natural sweetness of mushrooms and onions.
It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends, and it’s easier to make than it looks. With this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to get a restaurant-quality risotto at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 2 servings of creamy mushroom risotto, prepare:
- Pearl rice: 200g (short-grain rice is essential for creamy texture)
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (adds gentle tanginess)
- White pepper powder: 1g
- Grated cheese: 20g (for mixing and optional topping)
- Fresh parsley or green onions: a small handful for garnish
Optional tips: soak the rice for 30 minutes beforehand to speed up cooking and ensure creamy rice.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Warm 300–350ml of chicken broth in a small saucepan. If using concentrated stock, dilute it with water. Keep it on low heat so it stays warm—this helps the rice cook evenly and absorb flavor properly.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
1. Heat 15g corn oil in a medium pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced white onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
This step builds the base flavor of our risotto, with the sweetness of onions and the earthy aroma of mushrooms.
Step 3: Add Butter and Rice
1. Add 15g unsalted butter and let it melt, stirring to coat the mushrooms and onions.
2. Drain the soaked pearl rice and add it to the pan.
3. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes, making sure each grain is coated with butter and mixed well with the aromatics.
Step 4: Season and Add Cheese
1. Grate 10–15g of cheese and mix it into the rice.
2. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and stir. This adds a gentle tang that balances the creaminess.
Step 5: Start Cooking the Risotto
1. Add 2–3 tablespoons of warm chicken broth to the rice.
2. Stir constantly until the liquid is almost absorbed.
3. Continue adding broth one spoonful at a time, stirring continuously. Avoid adding too much at once—this keeps the rice creamy, not soupy.
Step 6: Cook Until Perfectly Creamy
Stir and add broth for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender but still slightly firm in the center (al dente). The texture should be creamy, soft, and perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
1. Sprinkle 1g white pepper over the risotto.
2. Add fresh parsley or chopped green onions for color and aroma.
3. Optionally, sprinkle extra grated cheese on top for a richer flavor.
Tips for Perfect Risotto
1. If your broth already contains salt, skip adding extra to avoid over-seasoning.
2. Stir constantly and add broth gradually—it’s the secret to perfect creamy texture.
3. This recipe makes two generous servings, ideal for sharing or enjoying one now and saving one for later.
Share the Joy
Lykkers, making this creamy mushroom risotto is not just about cooking—it’s about enjoying the process and sharing the results with those around us. Each bite delivers the comforting taste of buttery rice, tender mushrooms, and a hint of tang from the vinegar, perfectly balanced with cheese.
We hope this guide inspires you to try it at home. Once you get the hang of it, experiment with your favorite herbs or different mushrooms. Cooking becomes more fun when we make it our own!
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a warm, creamy risotto tonight. Good food is best enjoyed together—and we can’t wait for you to share this delicious dish with family and friends.
How to Make CREAMY MUSHROOM RISOTTO Like an Italian