A generous serving of creamy risotto sits in the center of a pure white plate. The risotto itself is a deep, earthy brown, with distinguished grains of Arborio rice and pieces of Cremini mushrooms peeking through. Green specks of fresh parsley are sprinkled atop, offering a contrast of colors. Drizzled over the top of the dish is a glossy, deep brown balsamic glaze that trails off onto the white plate. A slice of lemon sits at the edge of the risotto as a garnish, its bright yellow hue inviting diners to squeeze and stir it in.

Cremini Mushroom Risotto with Lemon Balsamic Glaze

Name: Cremini Mushroom Risotto with Lemon Balsamic Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Cremini mushrooms, 2 cups sliced; Arborio rice, 1 1/2 cups; Chicken or vegetable broth, 6 cups; Small yellow onion, 1 finely chopped; Dry white wine, 1/2 cup; Parsley, 2 tablespoons finely chopped; Olive oil, 2 tablespoons; Balsamic glaze, 1/4 cup; Lemons, 2 juiced and zested; Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup grated; Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons; Salt, To taste; Pepper, To taste

Category Main Course

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 40 minutes

Style Italian

Technique Stir-frying

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: April 25, 2025

Indulge in a gourmet dinner with this unique Italian recipe. Featuring Cremini mushrooms, this dish captures the essence of the Italian countryside with earthy flavors offset by subtly tart and fruity notes of balsamic glaze.

Ingredients (for 4)

Cremini mushrooms - 2 cups - sliced
Arborio rice - 1 1/2 cups
Chicken or vegetable broth - 6 cups
Small yellow onion - 1 - finely chopped
Dry white wine - 1/2 cup
Parsley - 2 tablespoons - finely chopped
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
Balsamic glaze - 1/4 cup
Lemons - 2 - juiced and zested
Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup - grated
Unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons
Salt - To taste
Pepper - To taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍳🧅🔥

In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped yellow onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until translucent.
Step 2 - 🥘🍚🔥

Add 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice to the pan and lightly toast until fragrant.
Step 3 - 🥘🍷🔄

Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, stirring constantly until it is fully absorbed.
Step 4 - 🍳🍄🔥

In a separate pan, sauté 2 cups of sliced Cremini mushrooms until golden and set aside.
Step 5 - 🥘🍲🔥

Slowly add in 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, one cup at a time, ensuring each cup is absorbed before adding the next.
Step 6 - 🔀🍄🍚👨‍🍳

Add in the sautéed mushrooms and cook until the rice is creamy yet al dente.
Step 7 - ♨️🧀🍋🧂

Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the juice and zest of 2 lemons, carefully season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8 - 🔥🥄🌿

Serve the risotto hot, drizzled with 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze and topped with 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.

Additional

This recipe offers a great balance of earthy, sweet and tangy flavors. Traditionally, risottos are stirred constantly to bring out the starch of Arborio rice, giving the dish its signature creaminess without needing cream. You can modify this recipe by incorporating seasonal veggies or swapping Cremini with other mushroom varieties. Kids can help with tasks like juicing the lemons, stirring the risotto or setting the table for a gourmet experience at home.