Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for a Homemade One-Pot Bacon and Mushroom Risotto that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Quick Facts
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (hot)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or shiitake work well)
- 4 oz bacon, diced (omit for vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian alternative)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the broth in a separate pot and keep it warm throughout the cooking process.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. (For a vegetarian version, skip this step and start with olive oil.)
- Add olive oil to the pot and sauté the onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes until the grains are well-coated and slightly toasted.
- If using, pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed.
- Begin adding the hot broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait for each ladle to be absorbed before adding the next.
- Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Fold in the crispy bacon (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian risotto.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements this dish beautifully.
- Cheese Selection: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
The beauty of risotto lies in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients – roasted butternut squash, sautéed spinach, or even seafood can make wonderful additions to this comforting dish.
Remember, the key to perfect risotto is patience and attention. The slow addition of broth and constant stirring creates that creamy texture we all love. So pour yourself a glass of wine, put on some music, and enjoy the meditative process of creating this Italian classic.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Buon appetito!
