Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both hearty and sophisticated? Introducing Savory Mushroom and Herb Steel Cut Oat Risotto—a delightful twist on traditional risotto that’s not only comforting but also packed with flavor! Imagine creamy steel cut oats mingling with earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Parmesan, all coming together to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Dive in and discover how easy it is to whip up this Italian-inspired masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Steel cut oats
- Mushrooms
- Vegetable broth
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely dicing the onion, mincing garlic, and slicing mushrooms into thin, uniform pieces. Chop fresh thyme and parsley leaves.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Introduce sliced mushrooms to the pan, allowing them to brown and release their moisture. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they develop a rich, golden color.
- Add steel cut oats to the skillet and toast them lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat with oil and develop a nutty flavor.
- Begin adding warm vegetable broth to the oats, one ladleful at a time. Stir continuously and allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, similar to traditional risotto technique.
- Continue adding broth and stirring for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until oats are creamy and have a slightly al dente texture.
- Incorporate chopped fresh thyme and half of the parsley during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy consistency.
- Garnish with remaining fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onions, garlic, and mushrooms in advance. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without any interruptions.
- Use Warm Broth: Keep your vegetable broth warm in a separate pot. Adding warm broth helps maintain the cooking temperature, allowing the oats to cook evenly and absorb flavors more effectively.
- Stir Frequently: The key to achieving that creamy risotto texture is constant stirring. This helps release the starches from the oats, creating a luscious, velvety consistency.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme and parsley are fantastic, don’t hesitate to mix in other fresh herbs like basil or chives for a unique twist.
- Add Texture: For added depth, consider incorporating some sautéed spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color to your dish.
- Leftovers Delight: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, and you can reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of broth for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 251kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
