Parmesan Risotto with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sun Dried Tomatoes

My friend Chassidy said it right! Risotto is not a rice, it is a cooking method. It is also a delicious dish with many ingredient possibilities that my family really enjoys. The rice that is usually used in risotto is called arborio. It has a high starch content and isn't processed too much. When arborio rice cooks, it releases its starch and makes the creamy sauce that we love.

To make risotto, slowly add warm broth to rice and stir and stir until it is absorbed, then repeat. This method allows the rice to absorb a super amount of moisture and release starch. Any tasty rice will do, but be sure to serve it right away so it doesn't get too gloppy. Last night I had the left over basmati from Sunday, so I used that. If I was using uncooked rice, I would add it to the olive oil for a minute or two until it smells nutty, but not brown, then add the chicken stock. I added shiitake mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, a spicy sorreno pepper, and parmesan cheese to make a rich, complex rice dish. Paired with grilled orange roughy and a tossed salad, it was a delicious meal low in calories and very satisfying.

I hope you enjoy this recipe. Joyful cooking!

Parmesean Risotto with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
2 cups cooked rice
3 Tbsp Lite Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 garlic cloves, grated
3 green onions (scallions) with stems, chopped
1 sorreno pepper with seeds
1/2 orange color green pepper
2 handfuls shiitake mushrooms (about 1 1/2 cup)
1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
2 1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups shredded parmesan cheese

warm chicken broth, put aside
heat EVOO in frying pan
add grated garlic, onion, and peppers, cook about 2 minutes to flavor the oil
add mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, stir well
reduce heat to simmer, add cooked rice, toss

slowly add warm chicken broth one ladle at a time
stir until mixture absorbs the liquid, do not brown
continue this process until all the liquid is gone - about 20-30 minutes
take your time, it is worth it!
turn off heat, spread rice mixture over bottom of frying pan
top with parmesan cheese

Enjoy!