Mushroom Risotto

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ease of preparation: intermediate

1/2 cup peanut oil
1/2 pound onion, finely minced (1 medium)
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 cups Arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups mushroom stock, heated
5 cups chicken stock, heated
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound wild mushrooms, stems reserved for stock
Salt
1/4 cup peeled, seeded and chopped tomato (1 medium)
4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
2 ounces (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan
Large pinch chopped Italian parsley leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

In a medium-size heavy saucepan, heat the peanut oil. Over medium-high heat, sauté the onion and garlic just to soften, stirring all the while, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rice and continue to stir, using a wooden spoon, coating the rice with the oil and onion.

Deglaze with the white wine and cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often. Pour in enough mushroom and/or chicken stock to cover, about 3 cups, and cook, stirring often, until the liquid is absorbed.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the olive oil. If the mushrooms are large, cut them into bite-size pieces and sauté over medium-high heat just to soften, 3 to 4 minutes.

Pour 3 cups of stock into the rice, turn the flame to high and stir in a large pinch of salt and the tomatoes. Stir until almost al dente. Stir in the mushrooms and the remaining 1 cup of stock, as necessary. Remember that the risotto should be creamy, not runny. Remove from the flame and vigorously beat in the chilled butter and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan until completely dissolved. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.