Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Dive into the world of "Mushroom and Pea Quinoa Risotto"—a vegetarian delight that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests! This creamy, savory risotto combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the sweetness of peas, all wrapped in the wholesome goodness of quinoa. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Read on to discover how to whip up this mouthwatering meal in just one hour!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth, warmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the rinsed quinoa and stir to coat the grains with oil and mix with the mushrooms and onions. Toast the quinoa for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Gradually add warm vegetable broth, about 1/2 cup at a time. Stir continuously and allow the quinoa to absorb the liquid before adding more, similar to traditional risotto technique.
- Continue adding broth and stirring until quinoa is tender and has a creamy consistency, approximately 15-20 minutes. The quinoa should be soft but still have a slight bite.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through and become bright green.
- Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and achieve a creamy texture. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. This step ensures a clean and nutty flavor in your risotto.
- Use Warm Broth: Keeping your vegetable broth warm while cooking helps maintain the temperature of the dish and allows the quinoa to cook evenly, mimicking the traditional risotto method.
- Stir Frequently: Unlike regular rice, quinoa benefits from regular stirring. This helps release its starches and contributes to that creamy texture we all love in risotto.
- Experiment with Mushrooms: Feel free to mix and match different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, or portobello, to add depth and variety to your dish.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier risotto, simply add a splash more broth or a little extra Parmesan cheese at the end.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that restaurant-quality finish.
- Make It Your Own: Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables or proteins, such as spinach or grilled chicken, to customize the risotto to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
