Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas

There are times when I crave a certain food and while I know I can go to a local restaurant to order it, I decide that I'd much rather make it myself. Mostly, because then I know exactly what's in it. In the case of Risotto, I know that it has Parmesan Cheese in it, which is one of the reasons why it is so delicious, but by making it myself I know how much is in it and that makes a difference for me. I use only a small amount. 

Risotto has a reputation for being hard to make, which is not true. It is actually really easy, but it does take time and you do have stay there and stir. I consider it an exercise in mindfulness and I find it very calming. And, the end result is so creamy and savory and good that it is worth the wait!

Mushroom and Pea Risotto

1 ¼ cup Arborio Rice

4 ounces of Butter

1 Shallot, trimmed and minced

1 cup White Wine

2 – 2 1/4 cups Chicken Broth

½ cup chopped Mushrooms

1/3 cup Frozen Peas

2 Tablespoons up to ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Melt 2 ounces of Butter in the bottom of a small pot.  Add in the Shallots and cook until they become soft. Then add in the Rice and stir to coat and cook until it just starts to turn lightly gold, stirring often. Add in the Wine and stir until it nearly evaporates. Then add in ½ cup of Broth and cook until it nearly evaporates while stirring and repeat with another ½ cup of Broth until all the Broth is used up.  Remove from heat and check for doneness.

In a small frying pan, heat the remaining 2 Tablespoons of Butter and cook Mushrooms until soft. Add Peas and cook until they are warm.  Then add the Mushrooms and Peas to the Risotto. If the rice is cooked (just barely al dente), you can stir in the Parmesan Cheese and cook until melted and incorporated. If the rice still needs more cooking time, add in ¼ cup of Broth and cook until it is absorbed and then add the Parmesan Cheese.

Five Element Analysis

Rice, Parmesan Cheese and Butter along with the Shallots makes this a very Metal food. But the White Wine adds some Fire and the Chicken Broth and Peas bring in the Wood Element. The Earth Element is represented but the Mushrooms So, be sure to serve this in a meal that contains at least one dish made up of a Water food.