Savory Morel Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Morels are known for their nutty flavor and their unusual texture full of nooks and crannies. In other words, they’re great at clinging to rich sauces and coaxing out big flavors. This risotto uses classic techniques and simple ingredients, but the morels make it a dish that feels surprising and complex.
category
Recipe
Author
Foraged
date
07.26.23
read time
1 minutes

Overview:

Prep Time
15 minutes
Active Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Cost
21
Keyword
morel mushroom risotto, morel mushroom risotto recipe, morel mushroom risotto recipes
Cuisine
Italian
Yields
4

INGREDIENTS:

Savory Morel Mushroom Risotto Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh morel mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1 - Prepare the rice

Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 - Heat the broth

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the vegetable broth until it simmers. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm while preparing the risotto.

Step 3 - Cook the shallots and garlic

In a large skillet or a wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

Step 4 - Add the mushrooms

Add the sliced morel mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they become tender and golden brown, for about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 5 - Cooking instructions

Place the skillet with morel mushrooms back on medium heat and add the Arborio rice. Stir gently for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.

Step 6 - Add the white wine

Add the white wine to the skillet and stir until it has evaporated.

Step 7 - Add the broth

Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently until it is absorbed by the rice. Continue this process, adding more broth as needed, until the rice has become creamy and tender, usually for about 20-25 minutes. (You may use as little as 2 cups of broth, but it’s best to have extra available to thin the texture if it gets too thick).

Step 8 - Stir in butter and cheese

Once the rice has reached the desired consistency, stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 9 - Season accordingly

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 10 - Remove from heat

Remove from heat and let the risotto rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

What are morel mushrooms?

Morel mushrooms are a type of edible fungi that are highly sought after by food enthusiasts and foragers. They have a distinctive, honeycomb-like appearance with a light brown to tan color. Morels are known for their rich, nutty flavor and unique texture, making them a delicious addition to various dishes such as soups, sauces, and sautés. These mushrooms are often found in forests and woodlands during springtime, and their elusive nature and limited availability contribute to their high value in the culinary world. However, it is important to note that caution should be taken when foraging for morels, as there are toxic look-alike species that can be harmful if consumed.

What do morel mushrooms taste like?

Morel mushrooms have a unique and distinctive taste. They are often described as earthy, nutty, and slightly meaty. Some people also notice a hint of sweetness in their flavor. The taste can vary slightly depending on how they are cooked, but they are generally considered to be quite delicious.

Where can I buy morel mushrooms?

Great question – check out our marketplace where you can buy morel mushrooms directly from foragers and cultivators!

Read more here about Morel Mushrooms

make something wild

Need some inspiration or insight on how to use your new goods? We got it.