Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto

Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto is a comforting and delicious dish that combines creamy Arborio rice with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the sweet pop of peas. This one-pot recipe simplifies the cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this risotto will soon be a favorite in your household.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 310
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg

Why Make This Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto

This Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto is not just simple to prepare but also packs a punch with flavor and nutrients. The combination of mushrooms and peas provides a wonderful texture contrast, while the creamy rice leaves you feeling satisfied without being heavy. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Perfect for a family dinner or a comforting dish to impress your guests, this risotto is a go-to recipe that will elevate your weeknight meals.

How to Make Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness in the onion and lays the flavor foundation for your risotto.

• Step 2: Mixing

  Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened. You’ll notice the lovely aroma filling your kitchen as the garlic and mushrooms mingle.

• Step 3: Cooking

  Add the Arborio rice to the pot, stirring for a couple of minutes until the rice grains are well-coated and slightly toasted. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Continue to add broth and stir until the rice is creamy and cooked through, which usually takes about 18-20 minutes.

• Step 4: Finishing

  Fold in the peas and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the risotto warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a splash of color and flavor.

How to Serve Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto

Serve this creamy risotto in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley on top for a touch of elegance. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Store Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto

If you happen to have leftovers, store the risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the consistency, as risotto can thicken upon sitting.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto

• Use Quality Broth: Choose a good-quality vegetable broth; it makes a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t Rush the Stirring: Stirring frequently helps release the starches from the Arborio rice, creating a creamy texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mushrooms and peas if possible for the best flavor and texture.
• Add More Flavor: Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aromatic touches.

Delicious Variations

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or plant-based proteins like chickpeas for added protein.
• Change the Veggies: Try different vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers based on what you have available.
• Different Cheeses: Swap the Parmesan for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?
  While Arborio rice is specifically used for risotto due to its high starch content, you can use another short-grain rice as a substitute, keeping in mind that the texture will differ.

• Is this risotto gluten-free?
  Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

• Can I make this dish vegan?
  Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.

• How can I make this risotto creamier?
  Besides the Parmesan, you can stir in a little bit of cream or more broth while cooking to achieve a creamier texture.

• What do I do if my risotto is too thick?
  Add a bit more broth or water and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creating a comforting bowl of Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Pea Risotto is not just about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s also about savoring the process of cooking. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, and the ease of using just one pot makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. So grab your ingredients, embrace the joyful cooking process, and enjoy the delightful flavors that await you. Happy cooking!