Creamy Garlic Oyster Mushroom Risotto

Risotto, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, provides a perfect canvas to showcase the delicate yet robust flavour of oyster mushrooms. This Creamy Garlic Oyster Mushroom Risotto is a luxurious yet comforting dish, perfect for a cozy evening in or an impressive dinner party.

Ingredients

• 300g Arborio rice

• 400g oyster mushrooms, sliced

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1.5 liters of vegetable stock

• 150ml white wine (optional)

• 100g Parmesan cheese, grated

• 50g unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stock: Keep the vegetable stock warm in a separate pot over low heat.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pan, heat the olive oil and half of the butter. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.

3. Cook the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring it’s well-coated with the oil and butter. Cook for a minute until the rice becomes slightly translucent.

4. Add Wine: Pour in the white wine and stir until it's fully absorbed.

5. Gradual Stock Addition: Add the warm stock one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until each addition is almost fully absorbed before adding the next ladle of stock.

6. Cook the Mushrooms: In a separate pan, sauté the oyster mushrooms in the remaining butter until they are golden brown and set them aside.

7. Combine Ingredients: Once the rice is cooked al dente and creamy, stir in the sautéed mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and half of the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Garnish and Serve: Serve the risotto garnished with the remaining parsley.

This risotto pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine. The creamy texture of the risotto, combined with the meaty texture of the mushrooms and the aromatic garlic, creates a truly unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy your culinary creation!