Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Risotto – Better Than Your Favourite Restaurant
- Stephane Janett
- Feb 13, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Luscious, velvety, and ready to steal the spotlight in 30 minutes.
Hello, my fabulous flavour-lovers!
Brace yourselves for a dish that’s every bit as fabulous as my best sequined jacket, Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Risotto. Imagine earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, silky Arborio rice, and a kiss of Parmesan all coming together in a luxurious, lemon-kissed hug.
It’s indulgence without the drama, perfect for spring, autumn, or any time you need a little midweek glamour. And here’s the bonus: by choosing seasonal mushrooms and local spinach, you’re making a plate that’s kind to your tastebuds and the planet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍄 Earthy, rich flavour from mushrooms and Parmesan
🥬 Packed with fresh spinach for colour, nutrients, and vibrancy
⏱ Ready in 30 minutes for weeknight or weekend luxury
🍷 The white wine adds depth you’ll taste in every bite
🌍 Better for the planet, mushrooms have one of the lowest environmental footprints of any protein-rich ingredient, and seasonal spinach means fewer food miles and fresher flavour ⠀
Quick Recipe Snapshot
⏱ Time: 30 minutes 🍽 Servings: 4 ⭐ Skill Level: Easy
🌱 Eco-Friendly: Mushrooms have one of the lowest carbon footprints of any protein-rich ingredient, and seasonal spinach means fewer food miles.
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, finely chopped
8 brown mushrooms, sliced
350 g Arborio risotto rice
150 ml white wine
1.5 L vegetable stock or chicken stock
100 ml heavy cream
1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
HOW TO MAKE IT
1️⃣ Sauté the Base
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 1 minute, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add Rice & Mushrooms
Stir in Arborio rice and mushrooms, coating each grain in that fragrant oil. Cook for 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Deglaze with Wine
Pour in white wine and stir for 1 minute, letting it absorb.
4️⃣ Build the Creamy Texture
Add one-third of the stock and simmer, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick.
As the liquid absorbs, keep adding stock in batches until the rice is al dente and creamy (about 20 minutes total).
5️⃣ Finish with Creamy Goodness
Remove from heat. Stir in cream, half the Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6️⃣ Serve & Shine
Spoon onto warm plates, top with remaining Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Bon appétit bébé!
A BIT ABOUT MUSHROOMS & SPINACH
The Earthy All-Stars – Mushrooms
Mushrooms have been celebrated since ancient Egypt, where they were considered food for royalty. Today, they’re loved worldwide for their umami depth and meaty texture.
🌱 Eco fact: Mushrooms have one of the lowest carbon footprints in agriculture, making them a sustainable superstar.
The Green Powerhouse – Spinach
Spinach originated in Persia and made its way to Europe in the Middle Ages. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and magnesium.
🌍 Eco fact: Buying spinach locally and seasonally cuts down transport emissions and delivers fresher, more nutrient-rich leaves.
BENEFITS OF THIS MEAL
🍄 Immune Support – Mushrooms Packed with B vitamins and antioxidants to keep your immune system strong.
🥬 Vitamin Boost – Spinach Loaded with iron, magnesium, and vitamin K for healthy blood, bones, and muscles.
🧄 Heart Health – Garlic & Onion Supports cardiovascular function and helps reduce inflammation.
🥛 Bone Strength – Parmesan A rich source of calcium and protein to keep bones strong.
🌍 Eco Bonus – Eating with the Planet in Mind Mushrooms are one of the most sustainable foods on earth, and seasonal spinach reduces food miles for a greener plate.
A FICTIONAL STORY BY THE CHEF!
Funghi Frenzy: A Tale Of Creamy Mushroom Risotto!
In a small village in Italy, there lived a passionate chef named Luigi who had an obsession with mushrooms. He was convinced that mushrooms held the secret to the most delicious risotto in the world.
One day, Luigi stumbled upon a talking mushroom named Funghi while foraging in the woods. Funghi claimed to have magical powers that could transform any dish into a culinary masterpiece. Luigi, being the adventurous and slightly gullible chef that he was, decided to give Funghi a chance.
With Funghi as his culinary advisor, Luigi set out to make the creamiest mushroom risotto the world had ever seen. But Funghi's instructions were nothing short of absurd. He insisted on adding ingredients like unicorn tears and dragon scales, and even suggested dancing around the kitchen while singing opera.
Luigi, not one to shy away from a challenge, followed Funghi's bizarre advice to the letter. As he stirred the risotto, he couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all. The kitchen turned into a chaotic mess with ingredients flying everywhere, and Luigi doing impromptu dance moves between stirs.
Finally, the risotto was ready, and Luigi served it to his friends and family with excitement. As they took their first bite, their faces lit up with amazement. The risotto was indeed the creamiest and most flavorful they had ever tasted, but the unusual combination of ingredients left them in fits of laughter.
News of Luigi's eccentric mushroom risotto spread like wildfire, and soon food critics and chefs from all over Italy flocked to his restaurant. Funghi, the mischievous mushroom, became a celebrity in his own right, stealing the spotlight with his outrageous cooking tips and impromptu comedy acts.
Luigi and Funghi's mushroom risotto became a legend in the culinary world, earning them the title of "The Fun-gi Risottos." They traveled far and wide, showcasing their hilariously delicious dish and spreading joy wherever they went. They even sold t-shirts like crazy with their famous title of "The Fun-gi Risottos" that people went made for! Luigi's kitchen became a hub of laughter and merriment, with Funghi as his unconventional sous-chef, always adding a comedic twist to Luigi's cooking.
In the end, Luigi learned that sometimes the most unexpected and absurd ingredients can result in the most delightful and hilarious culinary masterpieces. His tale of the talking mushroom and the creamiest mushroom risotto in the world became a legendary and uproarious story that was told and retold for generations, making Luigi and Funghi the most famous and beloved duo in the culinary world.
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