Michael Davis
Mushroom risotto is a classic Italian dish that can be served as a starter or a main course. It is rich and creamy, with an earthy flavour. When deciding what to serve with mushroom risotto, it is important to remember that the dish is already quite rich, so a simple, fresh, and light side dish is best to avoid overwhelming the palate. Salads, vegetables, and bread are all excellent options to accompany mushroom risotto. For protein, shrimp, salmon, or chicken are all good choices that will complement the flavours of the risotto without being too heavy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main course | Chicken, pork, beef, salmon, shrimp, tofu |
| Appetizer | Olives, raw salmon with herbs, lemon, and orange, topped with pickled shallots, vegan stuffed mushrooms |
| Side dish | Salads (green, Panzanella Toscana, courgette, prosciutto melon, spinach, apple or pear, walnut, and balsamic), veggies (asparagus, sauteed spinach, green beans, roasted broccoli, brussel sprouts), bread (fresh, with pesto or bruschetta, toasted baguette slices, focaccia, garlic bread), white wine |
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What You'll Learn
Salads: a light salad like rocket and parmesan or a courgette ribbon salad
Salads are a great side dish to mushroom risotto, especially lighter salads that complement the richness of the risotto without overpowering it. Here are some salad ideas that would go well with mushroom risotto:
Rocket and Parmesan Salad
A classic rocket and parmesan salad is a simple yet delicious option. Rocket, also known as arugula, has a peppery flavour that pairs well with rich or carb-heavy mains like mushroom risotto. To make the salad, simply drizzle rocket leaves with a balsamic dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Then, shave parmesan cheese over the salad using a potato peeler. You can also add your own twist by including ingredients like sliced pears, walnuts, or toasted pine nuts.
Courgette Ribbon Salad
This salad is a fresh and zingy option, perfect for those who want a raw, vegetarian side dish. To make it, use a vegetable peeler or mandolin slicer to cut courgettes into thin ribbons. Create a dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, cider vinegar, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the courgette ribbons in the dressing, let it stand for 10 minutes, and then top with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Other Salad Ideas
If you're looking for something a little different, you could try a variation of the rocket and parmesan salad by substituting the parmesan with blue cheese or goat's cheese and adding sliced strawberries or dried cranberries for sweetness. You can also use a different type of dressing, such as a lemon vinaigrette or a creamy garlic dressing, and include fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Remember, when serving salad with mushroom risotto, it's a good idea to keep the salad light and simple, allowing the risotto to shine as the star of the meal.
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Appetizers: salmon, olives, or stuffed mushrooms
If you're looking for an appetizer to pair with mushroom risotto, there are a few options to consider. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Salmon
Salmon is a classic pairing with mushroom risotto, and for good reason. The rich, flaky fish complements the creaminess of the risotto, creating a delicious combination. To prepare the salmon, simply season it with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in the oven. For a simpler option, smoked salmon can also work well with this dish. To make the risotto, you can follow a traditional Italian recipe using dried porcini mushrooms, shallots, garlic, white wine, and Arborio rice. Don't forget to stir in some parmesan cheese and lemon juice at the end for added flavour.
Olives
While not a typical pairing, olives can also be considered as an appetizer to accompany mushroom risotto. Their salty, briny flavour can provide a nice contrast to the earthy tones of the risotto. Look for high-quality olives, such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano, and serve them simply with a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh herbs.
Stuffed Mushrooms
As mushroom risotto is quite rich, you might want to consider a lighter appetizer such as stuffed mushrooms. This can be a fun way to showcase different varieties of mushrooms and create a unique texture and flavour profile. You can stuff the mushrooms with a variety of ingredients, such as herbs, cheese, or other vegetables.
Remember, when pairing appetizers with mushroom risotto, it's important to consider the richness and creaminess of the dish. You want to choose appetizers that will complement, rather than overwhelm, the flavours of the risotto. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and creating a delicious meal!
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Proteins: shrimp, chicken, or tofu
If you're looking to add some protein to your mushroom risotto, there are a few options to consider: shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Each of these proteins can be prepared in various ways and will add their unique flavour and texture to the dish.
Shrimp is a great choice for those who enjoy seafood. The shrimp is seasoned with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and cooked in a skillet with olive oil until it curls up. The shrimp is then added to the risotto at the end, along with the mushrooms, creating a hearty and comforting dish. This dish is loaded with garlic and Parmesan cheese, and the rice is cooked until it is creamy, making it perfect for a cosy night in or when serving guests.
Chicken is another popular option for mushroom risotto. Chicken breast is commonly used, and it can be sautéed in bacon fat along with the mushrooms, adding a rich flavour to the dish. The chicken and mushrooms are then added back into the risotto at the end, along with a splash of chicken broth, to heat through. This dish is also typically garnished with bacon, extra Parmesan, and parsley, making it a tasty and indulgent option.
For a meatless option, tofu can be a great addition to mushroom risotto. A honey-baked tofu and mushroom risotto is a unique and flavourful combination. The tofu is marinated in honey and soy sauce and baked in the oven, adding a sweet and savoury note to the dish. This option is perfect for those who observe Lent or simply prefer a plant-based meal.
Regardless of which protein you choose, mushroom risotto is a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you opt for shrimp, chicken, or tofu, your risotto is sure to be a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Bread: bruschetta, focaccia, or garlic bread
Fresh, warm bread is a great side to mushroom risotto. It can be topped with pesto or bruschetta and used to swipe the last bits of risotto from the bowl.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer consisting of toasted bread slices with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and fresh herbs. It can be topped with melted mozzarella and parmigiano cheese, giving it a gooey texture. The mushrooms are often cooked in butter and nutmeg to create a creamy texture. The bread is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, adding a textural contrast to the juicy veggies.
Focaccia
Focaccia is a soft, pillowy bread infused with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It can be served as a starter or side and is perfect for dipping into a fresh bruschetta dip. It can also be cut up and served with a platter of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, grapes, or other toppings of your choice.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs well with mushroom risotto. To make it, rub a whole garlic clove over toasted bread slices until aromatic. Top with sautéed mushrooms, Parmesan, and thyme for a flavorful appetizer.
Bread Recommendations
When making bruschetta, it is recommended to use a classic ciabatta base or leftover sourdough for a tangy taste. Focaccia will give a bubbly, light texture. For garlic bread, a baguette or sourdough can be used.
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Vegetables: asparagus, brussel sprouts, or spinach
Vegetables: Asparagus
Asparagus and mushroom risotto is a classic combination. The crisp bite and bright clean flavour of asparagus, coupled with its soft texture, complement the creaminess of the risotto.
To make this, you can cook the asparagus and mushrooms together in a pan for about 7 minutes, stirring in salt and pepper. You can also add some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chives, and tarragon to finish it off.
Vegetables: Brussel sprouts
Mushroom risotto with roasted Brussel sprouts is a hearty meatless meal, perfect for the colder seasons. The sprouts are prepared by roasting them on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They are then stirred into the risotto with some Parmesan cheese.
Vegetables: Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a quick and easy veggie side dish that goes well with mushroom risotto. Spinach provides a simple way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Some protein options to go with mushroom risotto include shrimp, tofu, chicken, pork, beef, and salmon.
Some vegetable side dishes that go with mushroom risotto include sauteed spinach, green beans, roasted broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Some salad options that go with mushroom risotto include a simple green salad, a salad with nuts, fruit, and prosciutto, a spinach salad with apple or pear, and a burrata caprese salad.
Some bread options to serve with mushroom risotto include focaccia, baguette slices, and garlic bread.
