Laura Smith
Mushroom risotto is a classic Italian dish that can be served as a starter or main course. It is creamy, rich, and earthy, with a comforting flavour and intricate texture. When deciding what to serve with mushroom risotto, it is important to remember that it is already a rich dish, so a simple, fresh, and light side dish is best to avoid overwhelming the palate. A crisp green salad is a classic pairing, with the peppery flavour of rocket or arugula and a balsamic dressing cutting through the creaminess of the risotto. Other salad options include a Panzanella Toscana, with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, basil and toasted bread, or a Prosciutto Melon Salad with mozzarella and arugula. For those wanting a protein pairing, shrimp or herb chicken breast are good options, and for vegetarians, marinated tofu adds a firm, savoury bite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main dishes | Chicken, pork, beef, salmon, shrimp, tofu |
| Salads | Simple green salad, Rocket (Arugula) Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Shaved Parmesan, Spinach Salad, Panzanella Toscana, Prosciutto Melon Salad with Mozzarella and Arugula, Burrata Caprese |
| Appetizers | Olives, raw salmon with herbs, lemon, and orange topped with pickled shallots, vegan stuffed mushrooms |
| Sides | Veggies, asparagus, sauteed spinach, green beans, roasted broccoli, brussel sprouts, mustard greens in bacon drippings, bread, focaccia, garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread |
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What You'll Learn
Salads
Arugula Salad
Arugula salad is a simple yet delicious option that pairs well with mushroom risotto. To make this salad, you can toss arugula with olive oil and lemon juice. For added flavour, you can include lemon zest, kosher salt, and Parmesan shavings. This salad provides a tangy and fresh contrast to the richness of the risotto.
Fennel Orange Salad
This salad option adds a fruity and colourful twist to your meal. It combines juicy oranges with sliced raw fennel, which contributes a subtle licorice flavour. You can serve it over greens and garnish with a citrus vinaigrette. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a surprisingly delightful pairing with mushroom risotto.
Rocket Salad
A rocket salad is another excellent choice to accompany mushroom risotto. The salad includes rocket leaves, sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and olives. The dressing is made by whisking together lemon juice, mustard, and oil, and it is seasoned with salt and pepper. This salad brings a burst of flavour and colour to your meal.
Raw Zucchini Salad
If you're serving mushroom risotto during the summer, a raw zucchini salad is a refreshing option. The zucchini is marinated in lemon juice and fresh herbs, giving it a delightful aroma and flavour. You can serve it with roasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavour.
Asparagus Salad
Asparagus salad is a elegant and tasty option to serve with mushroom risotto. You can bake or sauté the asparagus until it's slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. For an extra touch of flavour, sprinkle melted Parmesan cheese on top. You can also make it into a salad by combining asparagus with feta cheese, tangy apples, juicy pears, and baby spinach, topped with a balsamic dressing and glazed walnuts or pecans.
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Appetizers
Mushroom risotto is a rich and creamy dish, so it is best paired with light appetizers. Here are some ideas for appetizers that will complement mushroom risotto:
Salads
A fresh salad can be a great way to cleanse the palate before a rich main course like mushroom risotto. Some specific types of salads that pair well with mushroom risotto include a simple arugula salad with balsamic dressing and shaved Parmesan, a raw salad with shaved Brussels sprouts, or a salad with roasted beets, onions, pears, pine nuts, greens, dressing, and crumbled goat cheese.
Veggies
Roasted or grilled asparagus is another great appetizer option, as its slightly smoky taste and nutty flavor go well with the richness of the risotto. Other grilled or roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or green beans, can also be a good choice.
Bread
Bread is a warm and delicious appetizer that can be served in many ways to complement mushroom risotto. Some ideas include serving it with pesto or bruschetta, crostini (small slices of crunchy toasted bread), or focaccia.
Olives
Olives are a classic Italian appetizer that can be served warm or as part of a larger grazing board. Mixed with citrus zest, herbs, and spices, they make a perfect bite-sized appetizer to serve before mushroom risotto.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and gluten-free option, packed with umami flavor and plant-based protein. They can be a great way to start your meal before moving on to the mushroom risotto main course.
Remember, when choosing appetizers to serve with mushroom risotto, it is best to keep things simple and light to balance the richness of the main dish.
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Fish and shellfish
Mushroom risotto is a versatile dish that pairs well with various types of fish and shellfish. Here are some ideas for combining mushroom risotto with seafood to create delicious and harmonious flavour profiles:
Shrimp and Scallops
A popular choice to pair with mushroom risotto is shrimp. For an extra boost of flavour, scallops can be added alongside the shrimp. The juices released by these seafood ingredients can be used to infuse the rice with a briny, savoury taste. When using frozen shrimp and scallops, it is recommended to thaw them in a bowl to collect their juices, which can then be added to the risotto. Fresh mushrooms, such as baby onions or eschallots, can also be incorporated to add a finer texture and a touch of earthy flavour.
Halibut
For a heartier option, pan-roasted halibut served over wild mushroom risotto creates a flavourful combination. The halibut is seasoned with salt and pepper, cooked in a cast-iron skillet, and then placed atop the risotto. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, oyster, or morels, contribute to the earthy notes of the dish. This pairing is suggested for special occasions or when craving something extra indulgent.
Parmesan Shrimp Risotto
For those who enjoy the savoury, salty flavour of Parmesan cheese, a mushroom Parmesan shrimp risotto is a delightful option. The addition of Parmesan enhances the creaminess of the risotto and provides a sharp, nutty flavour that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and the sweetness of the shrimp. This dish can be adjusted to personal preferences, with options to include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or omit them for a milder taste.
Seafood and Wild Mushroom Risotto
Combining seafood with wild mushrooms in a risotto creates a flavourful and textural experience. This dish incorporates ingredients like shrimp, scallops, baby clams, and rehydrated wild mushrooms. The liquid used to soak the dry mushrooms adds an earthy flavour to the dish. Bone broth or chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and white balsamic vinegar are also added for depth of flavour. This risotto is best served hot, with a silky smooth and creamy texture.
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Chicken, pork and beef
Chicken
Chicken and mushroom risotto is a popular dish, with many recipes available online. Chicken breast is a common choice, with some recipes calling for the addition of bacon, butter, and parmesan. Chicken kiev or cordon bleu is also suggested as a pairing with mushroom risotto.
Pork
Rosemary-grilled pork tenderloin is a recommended pairing with mushroom risotto. This combination is featured on Food Network, where the pork is seared and oven-roasted, served with a creamy mushroom risotto garnished with fresh rosemary.
Beef
Beef and mushroom risotto is another option, with a recipe from Stephanie Kay Nutrition featuring bone broth, mushrooms, and beef. The same source suggests serving a beef risotto as a side dish to grilled steak.
General Meat Considerations
Some people may find the rice in mushroom risotto rich and heavy, so a lighter protein option may be preferable. However, others suggest that the earthiness of mushrooms pairs well with beef, specifically recommending grilled veal cutlets with lemon juice as an alternative to chicken.
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Vegetables
There are several vegetable dishes that go well with mushroom risotto. Here are some ideas:
Green Salads
A crisp green salad with crunchy glazed walnuts and bright lemony green beans can complement the richness of the risotto. For a simple salad, arugula tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, grated parmesan, and thin-sliced shallots is a perfect fresh and tangy counterpoint to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables
A combination of colourful vegetables such as broccoli, red peppers, sweet potatoes, and red onions can be roasted to perfection. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, these vegetables can be a fantastic side to mushroom risotto.
Asparagus
Asparagus, lightly flavoured with olive oil, goat cheese, chilli flakes, pepper, or garlic, can be a great side dish. It adds a nice texture to the meal without stealing the spotlight from the risotto.
Grilled/Broiled Tomato
The acidity and sweetness of grilled or broiled tomatoes can cut through the richness of the risotto and complement its earthiness.
Garlic Bread
Crispy, crunchy garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that makes the kitchen smell incredible. It is simple to make with butter, garlic, and parmesan, and it goes well with the risotto.
These vegetable dishes can enhance your mushroom risotto experience, providing a balance of flavours and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
A fresh, light salad is a great option to pair with mushroom risotto. A simple green salad or a salad with nuts, fruit, and prosciutto are tasty options.
Mushroom risotto is a rich dish, so a light protein like grilled salmon or shrimp is a good option. For plant-based proteins, marinated tofu or sautéed greens like spinach, mustard greens, or asparagus are great choices.
A veggie side dish like roasted zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or a Panzanella Toscana salad (a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and basil with toasted bread) can complement mushroom risotto well.
Olives, raw salmon with herbs and citrus, or vegan stuffed mushrooms are great Italian appetizers to serve before enjoying your mushroom risotto.
Fresh bread with pesto or bruschetta is a delicious option to serve alongside mushroom risotto. For a more indulgent option, try garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread.
