Mushroom and Pea Risotto

My very first risotto recipe and I must say, it's pretty legit. Rich and creamy with loads of mushrooms, peas, and cheese. Absolutely delicious and honestly, quite easy to whip up. Serve and garnish with additional grated cheese and chopped parsley.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 542 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large bay leaf
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ teaspoon ground thyme
• sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
• 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
• ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup shredded Pecorino Romano cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring regular and low-sodium vegetable broth to a slow boil in a medium pot over medium heat. Reduce heat slightly and keep warm.

Step 2

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3

Add cremini and shiitake mushrooms, fresh and dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook and stir until mushrooms have released their liquid and caramelized a bit, about 5 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and return to the heat to melt. Add Arborio rice and stir until rice gives off a toasty smell and appears a little paler in color, about 2 minutes. Add bay leaf, pour in wine, and stir until liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Use a ladle to scoop some hot broth into the skillet. Cook and stir until all liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes, before adding another ladle of broth. Continue this process until risotto is just about finished, about 15 minutes. With the final ladle of broth, add frozen peas and return cooked vegetables to the pan.

Step 6

Remove from the heat once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, yet firm to the bite. Stir in Pecorino Romano cheese and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.