Roasted Mushroom Risotto {Review}

I recently received a variety of rice from RiceSelect to sample. One of the samples was an arborio blend with mushrooms. We love risotto around here, so as soon as I saw this recipe for Roasted Mushroom Risotto I knew the arborio blend with mushrooms would be perfect.

This was an outstanding risotto. The roasted mushrooms had great flavor but I think my favorite part was the dried chanterelles. I was a little hesitant to buy them since half an ounce was $4.99, but it was well worth it. They added a great depth of flavor that really brought the whole dish together.

We love RiceSelect products (I'm a big fan of their pearl couscous, even though I haven't been able to find it for ages) so I knew their arborio would be a hit. And it was. Baby Girl, who up until this point has been hit or miss with mushrooms, positively loved this. She told me she was a big fan and cleaned her plate.

Roasted Mushroom Risotto
As seen on Rachel Cooks

1/2 ounce dried chanterelle mushrooms
24 ounces white mushrooms cut in halves or quarters
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups vegetable broth/stock
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g. Chardonnay)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese more for garnish, if desired

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Place the dried chanterelle mushrooms and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for twenty minutes. Drain and rinse, then set aside.

Place the white mushrooms on a large rimmed sheet tray and toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil, thyme and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread into a single layer and place in preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes, stir, and roast for another 10-15 minute or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, bring stock to a simmer in a saucepan.

In a deep, heavy skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the rehydrated chanterelles, garlic and onion and saute for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add the rice and cook for another 2-3 minutes to toast the rice, stirring frequently.

Add the white wine and bring to a boil. Add 1 cup of the simmering stock, and keep stirring nearly constantly, making sure to push down any rice stuck to the edges of the pans. Once the liquid is nearly absorbed, add another 1 cup of stock. Continue to do this until the rice is cooked but still slightly chewy, about 25 minutes. Taste the rice frequently to check the consistency.

Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter, Parmesan cheese and roasted mushrooms. Taste and add more salt and pepper, as needed. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer: I received free samples of RiceSelect rice. I was not paid to write this review and all opinions are my own.