Risotto is always a special dish, a kind of ‘Sunday’ lunch dish for Italians. This is mainly because it is delicious in so many different ways, and is a symbol of the gastronomy of Italy, but also because it requires care, love and patience. Today we bring you this classic family meal, mushroom risotto, which we wanted to make with both fresh mushrooms and dried porcini, which add a touch of refinement. In fact we have also flavoured our risotto with a creamed white truffle - perfect! All that remains is for you to have a go at making it!
* approximate values per serving
Finely chop the onion and sauté in a little olive oil. When it is translucent, add the rice and fry for a minute or two, stirring with a wooden spoon. Now add the mushrooms, stir and cook until well incorporated. Pour in the wine – red wine is fine too. When the wine has evaporated you can begin to cook by gradually adding the stock. Season with salt. When nearly finished cooking, add the creamed truffles and mix well. Two minutes before it’s completely finished, stir in the butter and Parmesan. Serve warm.
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Get some good quality creamed truffle, as shown here
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Sweat the white onion in a little olive oil until softened
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Add the rice and coat in the hot oil for a couple of minutes
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Add the mushrooms stirring all the time; leave to absorb the flavours for a few moments
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Add some red wine and let it reduce
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Start to add the hot stock, continually stirring
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Add a tablespoon of creamed truffle - or more, according to taste
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2 minutes before the cooking has finished, start to whisk in the butter
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Add a sprinkling of parmesan; take care that the risotto is ‘wave like’
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Serve your risotto
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One of the most appreciated variations of risotto with mushrooms and truffle cream is certainly the one that uses fresh porcini. These mushrooms, with their intense and aromatic flavor, give the dish an extra touch. To prepare this delicious version, it is essential to choose high-quality porcini, perhaps harvested in local woods. After carefully cleaning them, they can be sliced and sautéed with onion to enhance their taste. This variation not only enriches the risotto with flavors but also offers a sensory experience that recalls nature and the scents of the forest. Furthermore, fresh porcini are perfect for those who love traditional cuisine and want to bring to the table a dish that tells the beauty of local products.
Risotto with mushrooms and truffle cream from Friuli represents a true culinary tradition of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. This preparation stands out for the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients typical of this mountainous area. In this variation, a touch of speck or pancetta can be added to impart a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the mushrooms and truffle. The rice is cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously. Served with a sprinkle of grated grana cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this risotto becomes a rich and substantial dish, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
For those who wish to enjoy a light version of risotto with mushrooms and truffle cream, it can be prepared without butter, replacing it with a drizzle of olive oil. This variation allows for a reduction in calories without compromising flavor. By using vegetable broth and limiting the use of grated cheese, the dish becomes lighter while maintaining the creaminess provided by the truffle cream. Additionally, it is important to opt for whole grain rice or low-carb varieties for an even healthier preparation. This version is ideal for those following a balanced diet or for anyone who simply wants to enjoy a delicious dish without guilt.
Risotto with mushrooms and truffle cream is a dish rich in nutrients. Mushrooms, in particular, are an excellent source of B vitamins, minerals like potassium, and antioxidants. Moreover, they contain few calories, making them ideal for a balanced diet. Rice provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. The truffle cream, although caloric, adds a unique and exquisite flavor to the dish. On average, a plate of risotto with mushrooms and truffle cream can contain between 400 and 600 calories, depending on the portions and ingredients used. This makes it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, balancing taste and health.
The question of whether risotto with mushrooms and truffle cream can be frozen is very common among cooking enthusiasts. In general, it is possible to freeze risotto, but it is important to follow some guidelines to preserve its quality. It is advisable to freeze the risotto as soon as it has cooled, avoiding leaving it at room temperature for too long. Additionally, it is better to freeze it without the truffle cream, adding it only at the time of reheating. To defrost, it is preferable to do so in the refrigerator and then slowly reheat it in a pan, adding a bit of broth to restore the creaminess of the dish. By following these simple steps, it is possible to enjoy a delicious risotto even days after preparation.