Spinach and Porcini-Mushroom Risotto
- 1/2 ounce dried porcini or other dried mushrooms
- 1 cup boiling water
- 5 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock, more if needed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cognac or other brandy
- 1/2 pound spinach, stems removed, leaves washed well and cut into 1 1/2-inch ribbons
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons butter
- In a small bowl, soak the dried mushrooms in the boiling water until softened, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the mushrooms and strain their liquid into a medium saucepan through a sieve lined with a paper towel.
- Add the broth to the mushroom-soaking liquid; bring to a simmer.
- Rinse the mushrooms well to remove any grit, chop them, and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice and salt and stir until the rice begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes.
- Add the wine, the 1/4 cup cognac, and the chopped mushrooms.
- Cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir 1/2 cup of simmering broth into the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth has been absorbed.
- The rice and the broth should bubble gently; adjust the heat as needed.
- Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time and allowing the rice to absorb the broth before adding the next 1/2 cup.
- Cook the rice until almost tender, about 25 minutes, and add the spinach.
- Cook, stirring, until the rice is tender, about 5 minutes longer.
- You may not need to use all the liquid, or you may need to add more broth or some water.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of cognac, the Parmesan, and butter.
porcini, boiling water, chicken broth, olive oil, onion, arborio rice, salt, white wine, cognac, well, butter
Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/spinach-and-porcini-mushroom-risotto (may not work)