| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 545 | 21g | 8g | 69g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 17g | 1g |
I’ve always been a big fan of finding new uses for classic ingredients, and there’s nothing more classic than Arborio rice. In this particular recipe, a longtime favorite in my kitchen, Arborio rice takes on a fresh, fruity twist — the Mountain Horopito and Mushroom Risotto. Take it from this Midwestern boy, this fusion of heartland wholesomeness with zesty exotic flavors makes this recipe a top-tier choice.
Why the Mountain Horopito and Mushroom Risotto is a Game Changer
The star ingredient of this risotto isn’t Italian — it’s the spicy Mountain Horopito, a pepper-like herb native to New Zealand. This unconventional ingredient, mixed with Porcini mushrooms, onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, dry white wine, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of fresh mushrooms, imparts an invigorating flavour profile that’s both warming and indulgent. It’s comfort food with a kick, akin to my grandmother’s hearty beef stew but infused with an unexpected zing. It also pairs well with a grilled chicken salad to lighten up the meal.
Health Benefits of Mountain Horopito and Mushroom Risotto
In addition to dishes bursting with flavor, I also like to advocate for recipes that optimize your nutrition and your wellbeing. This Mountain Horopito and Mushroom Risotto isn’t just scrumptious – it’s packed with health benefits, too. The ingredient list includes a symphony of vegetables, which lend this dish a low-fat profile and a high fiber content. Flooding your system with fiber leads to a healthier heart, controlling cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and aiding in achieving optimal weight. Not to mention, mushrooms are well-known as potent aids in boosting your immune system, what with their rich content of B vitamins, antioxidant selenium, and even protein.
From simple Sunday family dinners after church to a feast for those large gatherings we all crave, this Mountain Horopito and Mushroom Risotto is a home-run choice. It radiates that Midwestern comfort I so adore, delivers robust nutritional benefits, and adds an exciting, palate-pleasing twist to your classic risotto. Oh, and I can guarantee that the kids will love it too!
What You’ll Need
- 1.75 cups of Arborio rice
- 1 cup of dried Porcini mushrooms
- 6 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh Mountain Horopito, finely chopped
- 2 cups of fresh mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by soaking your cup of dried Porcini mushrooms in 2 cups of warm water. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes until the mushrooms have softened. Once the mushrooms are soft, drain the mushrooms but strive to keep the water they were soaked in. This will be used later.
Step Two
Next, in a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes until the onions have softened.
Step Three
Now, add the Arborio rice into the pan, stir and toast it until it’s slightly golden.
Step Four
At this point, pour your cup of white wine into the pan and stir, cooking until the liquid is almost completely absorbed by the rice.
Step Five
Start to gradually add the vegetable broth into the rice mixture, one cup at a time. Wait until each cup of broth has been absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20-30 minutes.
Step Six
In another pan, melt the butter and add the soaked Porcini mushrooms as well as the fresh mixed mushrooms. Cook this mixture until all the mushrooms are tender and then add it to your rice mixture.
Step Seven
Next, add the Parmesan cheese, the finely chopped Mountain Horopito, the mushroom soaking water (this provides strong flavor), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir all the ingredients well until the cheese has melted and the risotto becomes creamy.
Step Eight
Finally, top your dish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Mountain Horopito and Mushroom Risotto. Serve while hot and enjoy with a nice glass of white wine.
