Morel Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto
LauriPatterson/Getty Images
  • 35 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins,
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
Ratings (19)

By Molly Watson

Updated 10/03/17

When the light and delicate flavor of morel mushrooms calls but the weather clings to a chilly gray, Morel Mushroom Risotto will get you out of the quandary of what to make. It makes a lovely side dish with chicken or pork or a light main course with a simple Tossed Green Salad or sauteed greens.

What You'll Need

  • 1/2 pound morel mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion (or green onion)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 cup arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream 
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan (or Pecorino cheese, freshly shredded, plus more for garnish)
  • Optional: mint for garnish
  • Optional: chives or green onion for garnish

How to Make It

  1. Trim any dried ends off the morels. Cut them in half lengthwise and rinse clean with cool water (see more about How to Clean Morels here. Drain morels, cut them into lengthwise slices and set aside. (Meanwhile bring broth to a simmer and cut mint, if you want to use it, into chiffonade.)
  2. Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add the garlic and onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 1 minute. Add the morel mushrooms and sprinkle with salt. Cook, stirring, until the morels release their liquid, about 2 minutes.
  1. Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the wine and stir until it is completely absorbed and evaporated.
  2. Add 1 cup of the hot broth and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is almost completely absorbed. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, cooking and letting the liquid absorb between additions. Continue adding broth until the rice is tender but still firm, about 25 minutes. You may not need the last 1/4 cup of broth.
  3. When the rice is cooked, add the cream, remove from heat and stir in the cheese. Add salt to taste, if you like.
  4. Divide the risotto among 4 wide, shallow bowls and garnish with mint and chives or green onion, if you like.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 496
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Unsaturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 33 mg
Sodium 1,519 mg
Carbohydrates 75 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Protein 16 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)