What kind of porcini mushrooms are you starting with?
Fresh porcini: Clean with a small knife and damp paper towel. Slice or cube.
Dried porcini: Soak in hot water for 30-60 minutes, drain, and reserve the liquid.
Frozen porcini: Use directly from the freezer, do not thaw.
In a dry pan, toast the rice on medium heat until aromatic but not browned. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a portion of butter. Add garlic and onion, cooking until translucent.
Add porcini mushrooms (and zucchini or spinach, if using) and cook for a few minutes.
Add parsley and white wine, simmer for 2 more minutes.
Mix in the rice and start adding hot broth, one ladle at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
Cook until the rice is al dente, about 17-20 minutes.
Turn off the heat, add the remaining cold butter and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
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Read more here about porcini mushrooms.
Porcini mushrooms, a prized ingredient in various cuisines, particularly Italian, are known for their robust flavor and meaty texture. They grow in both Europe and North America and are highly sought after for their culinary uses. Porcini can be found fresh, dried, or frozen, and each form brings a unique depth of flavor to dishes.
Porcini mushrooms are celebrated for their rich, earthy, and nutty flavors. When cooked, they release a deep, woodsy aroma and have a smooth yet meaty texture. This distinct taste makes them a favorite in risottos, pastas, and other savory dishes. The intensity of their flavor can vary depending on whether they are used fresh, dried, or frozen.