METHOD
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Mushrooms
Clean the fresh mushrooms and slice them thinly. If you're using frozen mushrooms, prepare a large bowl. Place a strainer over the bowl and pour in the frozen mushrooms. Set aside. In a separate bowl, crumble the stock cube. Add parsley, dried mushrooms, bay leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, and water or broth. Set aside.
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Pan-fry the mushrooms
Add oil to a pan and place it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté gently for 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the mushrooms and sauté for another 6–8 minutes. If you're using frozen mushrooms, extend the cooking time by about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. Stir regularly, then remove from heat, stir in the chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain the broth through a sieve. Remove the bay leaves and parsley, and finely chop the remaining ingredients—you’ll use them in the risotto.
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Mushroom Risotto
Place a deep pan over medium heat, add olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the rice to the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly. Increase the heat, pour in the wine, and cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate. Add the chopped dried mushrooms and tomato (from the broth), then gradually start adding the broth. Only add the next ladleful once the previous one has almost completely absorbed into the rice and the mixture becomes creamy. Cook for about 12–14 minutes. Once the rice is cooked al dente, stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Serve
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan. Mix well until both ingredients have melted. Divide the risotto between four plates and serve.