I don't care what anyone says, risotto is the best food on the planet! This balsamic mushroom risotto is packed full of bold flavors, and is both gluten-free and vegetarian!
Easy recipes are pleasing for many, but there are some recipes that cannot be ignored!
I loooooovvveeee risotto! It is so hard for me to choose a favorite meal, but risotto is up there. I love eating it, I love making it, heck, I would eat it every day. When it comes to food I can be a bit greedy so I tend to make one batch of risotto for myself, and one for Mr. TCW. This way, no fights from either of us! Yeah, Mr. TCW is a big rice guy, too. That being said, you may remember the vegetable risotto with homemade chicken stock I posted last week. Today I bring you my vegetarian version: balsamic mushroom risotto!
I shouldn't say risotto isn't easy. It does take some skill, but once you get the hang of it, there is no going back. Actually, the first time I ever made risotto, I had never had it before... Yes, I actually decided that I needed to try this remarkable food and no where around us at the time offered such a feast. Let me tell you, I had no clue what the texture was suppose to be like! Arborio rice takes time to soften, but at the same time you do not want the rice too soft. I kept thinking I was never going to stop adding broth! The results were wonderful! I actually posted about my previous mushroom risotto on the blog and since then, it has been made MANY times and revamped endlessly.
Today's balsamic mushroom risotto was created using the wonderful shiitake mushrooms (Mr. TCW found a great deal at the local grocer and now I am addicted!) Balsamic vinegar was used because I was out of any wine in the house and feel any addition besides broth to risotto only heightens the meal (plus, who doesn't love balsamic?!)
PS: Are these shiitake mushrooms not drool-worthy?! I included a mix of button and shiitake mushrooms, but if I was super rich I would dine on expensive mushrooms all the time (and shiitake mushrooms are on the cheaper spectrum compared to other gourmet mushrooms.) Use any assortment of mushrooms you feel comfortable (or can find.) UPDATE: This time around I did a mix of shiitake, cremini, oyster, and button, finished off with enoki!
📖 Recipe
Balsamic and Mushroom Risotto
Earthy, tasty, and mushroom-y: this is the only way to describe this amazing balsamic mushroom risotto!
Ingredients
- 900 mL (about 4 cups) vegetable or mushroom broth, simmering
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 16 oz assorted mushroom, roughly chopped or sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp. dried thyme
- ¼ tsp. red chili flakes
- 1 cup arborio rice
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. coarse mustard
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
I mix my coarse mustard into the simmering broth so it disperses evenly.
- Add the butter to a saute pan, melting over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent and tender, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the mushrooms and cook until they begin to turn golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add the garlic, thyme, and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the rice and cook for a good couple of minutes. Carefully pour in the balsamic vinegar. Lots of steam will appear as the liquid touches the pan. Quickly stir the bottom of the pan with a spatula so you can get all the nice brown bits up.
- Pour in ½ cup of broth at a time, stirring until almost of the liquid is gone before you add the next amount. When you add your last half cup, try to leave a bit of extra liquid so it has a creamy look when we add the cheese.
- Stir in the cheese and mix until it is melted.
- Serve immediately!
Notes
I used a mix of shiitake, button, cremini, and enoki mushrooms, but you can use whatever you like.
You might not need the entire 4 cups of liquid.
If using enoki mushrooms, don't put them in until the last cup of broth is going in (they cook really fast!)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 252Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 599mgCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4g
You won't be making this balsamic mushroom risotto on a busy work night, but everyone deserves a treat once in a while. I tend to make risottos on the weekend while Mr. TCW distracts kiddo. Though, she does come in handy when it comes to mixing and you will surely do a ton of stirring with this recipe!
Love this balsamic mushroom risotto?! Try some of these recipes:
Ali @ Home & Plate
I LOVE Risotto and your recipe sounds delicious. I will use aged balsamic to this recipe because it will add a sweeter flavor than just plain balsamic. Love your pics. I could eat it off the page.
Kacey
Ahh, aged balsamic would be amazing! I could drink it any day, haha!
Christie
The shiitake mushrooms are gorgeous! They are well worth a splurge every once in a while. This risotto seems like a fantastic time to use them.
Kacey
If I win the lottery, I will be living off shiitake mushrooms 🙂
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy
This balsamic mushroom risotto looks delicious! Love all the flavors, the texture of the risotto is perfect. Must try soon!
Kacey
Thank you so much!
Nutmeg Nanny
This looks so good! I have always wanted to make risotto but haven't gotten around to doing it yet. I LOVE the addition of meaty mushrooms....yum!
Kacey
I know you would whip up an awesome risotto 🙂
Amy Stafford
I love risotto too, and I agree with you once you make it a time or two, it becomes enjoyable to make. Yours looks delicious, love the flavor combo.
Kacey
Thanks, Amy, glad there is another one out there who enjoys making it as much as me 🙂
Maryanne @ the little epicurean
Rice is my weakness! You were so brave to make risotto the first time without ever having had it. I would have totally freaked out not knowing how the texture was supposed to be. Anyway, love this combo of balsamic and mushroom! 🙂
Kacey
It was a bit of a freak out experience but it worked! Thanks for stopping by!
Elena
What beautiful mushrooms! This looks like a wonderful fall dish.
Kacey
Thanks!
Susan | LunaCafe
Love the big juicy chunks of mushrooms here. Just looks so appetizing and appealing. Who could resist? 🙂
Kacey
It is very hard to share so I tend to make two batches for that reason 😉
Joanie @ Zagleft
I love risotto but haven't made it ina while. My husband keeps reminding me of that fact. I'd love to try your version, the balsamic vinegar must add a wonderful taste.
Kacey
Haha, don't worry, my husband drops the hints, too. I would love to see some of your versions, Joanie!
Cate | Chez CateyLou
Your risotto looks perfect, and you are right those mushrooms are absolutely droolworthy! This is my idea of an amazing dinner!!
Kacey
Side, appetizer, or dinner, I love risotto any time! Thanks, Cate!
Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats
This reminds me I need to try making some risotto. It looks so flavorful with the mushrooms and balsamic vinegar!
Kacey
It is a lot of fun, Laura, and risotto is usually gluten-free 🙂