
A classic Italian dish, this recipe promises a delightful symphony of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for an upscale dinner or a cozy night in.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic, divided
- ¾ cup frozen green peas
- 4 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 tablespoons grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, gently simmer the chicken broth, keeping it warm over low heat.
- Start the Risotto Base:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion; sauté for 2 minutes.
- Introduce 1 teaspoon of minced garlic; stir for 30 seconds.
- Incorporate Arborio rice; toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in dry white wine; let it simmer for 2 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.
- Build the Risotto:
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of warm broth at a time, stirring continuously.
- Allow each portion of broth to be absorbed before adding the next, creating a creamy texture over about 20 minutes.
- Prepare Shiitake Mushroom Mix:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté sliced shiitake mushroom caps until tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic and 1 teaspoon thyme; sauté for an additional 1 minute. Set aside.
- Combine and Finish:
- Fold the prepared mushrooms, remaining 1 teaspoon thyme, peas, 1/4 cup cheese, and pepper into the risotto.
- Cook for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Spoon about 1 1/4 cups of risotto into each of 4 bowls; sprinkle each with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cheese.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 324
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7g
- Protein: 11.7g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4.5g
Please note that the nutritional values provided here are approximate and may fluctuate depending on factors such as the brands of ingredients used and serving sizes.

Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Maintain a gentle simmer while adding broth to the risotto for optimal absorption.
- Experiment with different mushroom varieties for a unique twist on this classic recipe.