| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 10g | 3g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 10g | 1.23g |
Growing up in an Italian-American household in New Jersey, food was always more than just sustenance. It was a way of bringing the family together, a way of honoring our traditions, and a way of sharing love and warmth with everyone we cared for. One of my personal favorite dishes, and one I’ve been preparing for years now, is a hearty, flavorful Red Wing Onion and Mushroom Risotto. It’s a comforting dish that I’ve grown quite fond of, and one that has been modified and perfected over the years, drawing from my Italian heritage.
Why this dish stands out
Red Wing Onion and Mushroom Risotto is not an extravagant, complicated dish, yet its rich, earthy flavors make it stand out. The sweetness of the Red Wing onions, combined with the texture of the mushrooms and the creamy Arborio rice, creates a symphony of flavors that’s truly hard to beat. It’s reminiscent of several traditional Italian risotto dishes, yet it also holds its own unique charm. (source)
Plus, this dish is packed with nutrients. Onions and mushrooms are great sources of dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals. The Arborio rice, paired with the hearty vegetable stock, is a good source of starch. The Parmesan cheese adds a boost of calcium and protein. All in all, it’s a hearty, copious meal that packs a powerful nutritional punch.
Complement your meal
And while this risotto is certainly delicious enough to stand on its own, I love to serve it alongside a simple, fresh salad or a crusty piece of garlic bread. It also pairs well with a dry white wine, matching the same wine used in the cooking process. For those seeking a fuller meal, the risotto makes for a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish. (source)
So why do I love the Red Wing Onion and Mushroom Risotto? Because it strikes a perfect balance between traditional and creative, between healthful and comforting, and between familiar and adventurous. It’s a dish that has evolved along with my journey as a cook and as a food lover, and it’s one that I’m always excited to share with others. Because ultimately, that’s what food is all about: sharing and togetherness.(source)
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Red Wing onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1.5 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4.5 cups vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped Red Wing onion to the pan. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and tender.
Step Two
Add the minced garlic and sliced fresh mushrooms to the pan. Continue to cook the ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated.
Step Three
Stir in the Arborio rice, making sure all the grains are coated with the oil. Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges of the rice become translucent.
Step Four
Pour in the dry white wine, and cook while stirring until it is fully absorbed by the rice.
Step Five
Begin adding the vegetable stock, half a cup at a time. With each addition, stir and cook until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next. During this step, season the risotto with salt and black pepper.
Step Six
Once all the vegetable stock has been absorbed and the rice is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the risotto.
Step Seven
Lastly, add in the chopped fresh basil, parsley, and tomatoes. Stir well to combine these ingredients into the risotto.
Step Eight
Let the risotto sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it warm, garnished with a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
