Risotto is one of the most popular ways of cooking rice in Italy. Usually, its ingredients include wine, broth and butter, plus in this recipe you can utilize some fresh vegetables. This version is not only simple to put together, but it also tastes far better than what you would get in a restaurant. Trust me on that. I’ve been using this recipe for years now and never get tired of it. A little extra time on your hands and a couple of extra ingredients really go a long way.

Advanced Course

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 2-3

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
5 ounces button mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2/3 cup white wine
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or 1 stalk cube and 2 cups hot water)
3/4 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 ounces (between 2-3 cups) baby spinach, chopped

Directions:
1. In a medium sized saucepan, add olive oil and butter and place over medium heat. When butter is melted, add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra

2. Stir in the mushrooms, cooking till soft.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra

3. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for another 5 minutes.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra

4. Next, stir in the rice to incorporate.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra

5. Pour in the white wine and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until absorbed. Then add the vegetable broth in 4 additions, waiting each time for the rice to soak in the mixture.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra

6. Add the cheese and and stir until creamy.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra

7. Add the spinach, cover the pan and cook until it has wilted.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra

8. Serve with freshly grated cheese.

risotto

Photo by Vedika Luthra