Vegan Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or your choice), sliced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup vegan butter or margarine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced mushrooms to the pan.
   • Cook until the mushrooms are tender and any liquid they release has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Toast the Rice:

   • Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir well to coat the rice with the oil and mushroom mixture.
   • Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.

5. Add the Wine (Optional):

   • If using, pour in the white wine and stir continuously until the wine has been absorbed by the rice.

6. Cook the Risotto:

   • Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, to the rice.
   • Stir frequently and wait until each ladle of broth is absorbed before adding the next one.
   • Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked through but still al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

7. Add Nutritional Yeast and Butter:

   • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the nutritional yeast and vegan butter.
   • Mix well until the butter is melted and the risotto is creamy.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve:

   • Remove the risotto from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and vegan Parmesan cheese if desired.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your vegan mushroom risotto!

Tips

• Consistent Stirring: Regular stirring helps release the starches from the rice, making the risotto creamy.
• Keep Broth Warm: Adding cold broth can slow down the cooking process, so keep it warm throughout.
• Mushroom Variety: Mixing different types of mushrooms can add depth of flavor to the risotto.

This vegan mushroom risotto is rich, creamy, and full of umami flavors, making it a perfect comforting meal!