This comforting Wild Rice, Mushroom & Squash Risotto is a hearty main dish that balances the nutty texture of wild rice with the creamy richness of Arborio. The addition of butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness, while dried morels and porcini provide a deep, savory umami backbone. Fresh portobello and white mushrooms contribute meaty texture and freshness. Perfect for a cozy autumn dinner or a vegetarian Sunday roast, this dish brings rustic elegance to the table. Its robust enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad.
Wild Rice, Mushroom & Squash Risotto
Description
This comforting Wild Rice, Mushroom & Squash Risotto is a hearty main dish that balances the nutty texture of wild rice with the creamy richness of Arborio. The addition of butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness, while dried morels and porcini provide a deep, savory umami backbone. Fresh portobello and white mushrooms contribute meaty texture and freshness. Perfect for a cozy autumn dinner or a vegetarian Sunday roast, this dish brings rustic elegance to the table. Its robust enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook the wild rice according to package instructions until tender but still chewy. Drain and set aside.
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Place dried morel and porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with 2 cups of hot water. Let soak for 30 minutes.
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Drain the soaked mushrooms, reserving the liquid. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove grit. Rinse the mushrooms briefly and chop them finely.
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Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into 1/2-inch pieces.
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Wipe the portobello mushroom clean and cut into bite-sized pieces. Slice the white mushrooms.
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In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
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Add the chopped onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the fresh portobello and white mushrooms to the pot. Saut until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped dried mushrooms and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors, then remove the mushroom mixture from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the cubed butternut squash and saute for 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir to coat with oil and butter. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent at the edges.
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Begin adding the warm chicken stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle.
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Continue adding stock and stirring for about 18-20 minutes, or until the Arborio rice is creamy but still has a slight bite (al dente).
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Stir in the cooked wild rice, the reserved mushroom mixture, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter for extra creaminess.
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Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.