Shiitake and Baby Bella Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 cups of quality Arborio rice
• 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 pound Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 pound Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 3 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40-50 minutes
• Total: about an hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and reduce to a low simmer.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet.
3. Add the rice and cook until it starts to turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the hot broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the rice starts to become tender but still has a bit of bite.
5. Add the mushroom slices and continue cooking until the rice is tender and creamy.
6. Stir in the chopped thyme leaves and season with salt and pepper.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, if using.
8. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: approximately 450-500 calories per serving (depending on added cheese)
• Fat: 18-20g
• Carbohydrates: 65-70g
• Protein: 12-15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich risotto with a savory mushroom flavor.
• Shiitake mushrooms give a unique, earthy taste.
• Baby Bella mushrooms add a slight wildness to the dish.
• Perfect for a luxurious yet hearty meal.

User Comments:

1. "The mushroom flavors were outstanding! The risotto was creamy and delicious."
2. "This dish was a perfect blend of flavors. The Shiitake mushrooms added a unique touch."
3. "I loved the combination of different mushrooms. The dish was rich and satisfying."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use high-quality mushrooms for best flavor and texture.
• When cooking the risotto, be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
• The parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, creamy texture to the risotto.