PORCINI MUSHROOM RISOTTO

Many ideas came to my mind on how I should prepare the only packet of dried porcini mushroom which had followed me home from Rome.  I have heard how great it is but its aroma was never known to me. Finally I decided that it should be a simple dish that is able to allow this king of mushroom to take center stage and show off its full flavor.

When I opened it, the aroma blew me away instantly. I have never come across any mushroom that has such exquisite flavor. It smells like oriental grilled cuttlefish to me. I almost wanted to taste it immediately like a snack.

It is pricy but now I regret not spending more euros to bring home a few more packets.

Ingredients

A small handful of dried porcini mushrooms (use more if you happen to have plenty and would like to make me jealous)

One cup of Risotto rice (for two servings)

One large bowl of chicken or vegetable stock

Half an onion, finely chopped

Desired amount of unsalted butter

Extra virgin olive oil

A quarter cup dry white wine

Sea salt

Black pepper

Fresh sweet basil

Parmigiano reggiano cheese

 

Soak mushroom in a bowl of simmering hot water for 30 minutes. Remove mushroom and chopped into small pieces. Keep the water for later use.

Heat up olive oil in a pan with onion over medium fire. Fry onion till translucent and add in rice follow by salt and pepper. When all grains are coated with oil, add white wine. Allow rice to soak up the wine. Put in mushrooms and mix well. Combine mushroom water with stock. With half a cup at a time, add in to rice and stir continuously until stock is being absorbed and repeat the process till rice is cooked to al dente. Add in butter, parmigiano reggiano cheese and sweet basil.