Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Risotto
Indulge in a creamy and savory Bacon and Mushroom Risotto that perfectly balances rich flavors with a comforting texture. This dish is ideal for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends. The combination of smoked bacon, a variety of fresh mushrooms, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful taste experience, while the risotto rice cooks slowly to absorb all the delicious flavors. Top it off with a splash of white wine and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch. Share this delicious dish with loved ones for a truly memorable meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (Used for sautéing.)
Onion
1 large (Chopped.)
Smoked bacon
1/2 cup (Chopped.)
Risotto rice
1 1/2 cups (Uncooked.)
Garlic clove
1 (Crushed.)
Dried mushrooms
1/4 cup (Sliced and soaked in boiling water.)
Mixed fresh mushrooms
2 cups (Sliced or chopped.)
Hot stock
5 cups (Prepared and kept warm.)
Fresh oregano or thyme
1 sprig (Optional, for added flavor.)
Butter
1 tablespoon (For finishing.)
Dry white wine
1/4 cup (For deglazing.)
Tomatoes
3 tablespoons (Chopped and peeled.)
Black olives
8 pieces (Stoned and quartered.)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning.)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (For seasoning.)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-based pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and smoked bacon. Sauté gently until the onion is translucent and the bacon is slightly crispy, allowing the fat to render out.
2
Stir in the risotto rice and crushed garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the rice is coated with the oils and slightly toasted.
3
Incorporate the soaked dried mushrooms along with their soaking liquid, fresh mushrooms, half of the stock, and the fresh oregano or thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4
Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally. If the liquid is absorbed and the rice is not yet fully cooked, gradually add more hot stock as needed until the rice is al dente and creamy but not mushy.
5
Just before serving, stir in the butter, dry white wine, chopped tomatoes, and black olives. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot, garnished with additional thyme sprigs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Risotto?
It is a savory Italian-inspired dish made with risotto rice, smoked bacon, mixed mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, cooked slowly to achieve a rich and creamy texture.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What type of rice is best for this risotto?
Risotto rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli, is required because its high starch content creates the signature creamy consistency.
How do I prepare the dried mushrooms?
The dried mushrooms should be sliced and soaked in boiling water until softened before being added to the pan.
Should I discard the dried mushroom soaking liquid?
No, you should incorporate the soaking liquid into the risotto as it adds a deep, concentrated mushroom flavor.
What kind of bacon should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped smoked bacon to provide a savory, smoky depth to the dish.
What fresh mushrooms work best for this recipe?
You can use a variety of fresh mushrooms such as cremini, button, or shiitake for a complex texture and flavor profile.
How much stock is needed for the risotto?
You will need 5 cups of hot stock, added gradually throughout the cooking process.
Why must the stock be hot when added to the rice?
Using hot stock ensures the cooking temperature remains consistent, allowing the rice to release starch properly without slowing down the cooking time.
What is the purpose of toasting the rice?
Stirring the rice for 2-3 minutes with the oil and garlic coats it in fat and toasts it slightly, which helps the grains maintain their structure.
How do I know when the risotto is cooked?
The risotto is ready when the rice is al dente, meaning it is firm to the bite but creamy, not mushy or crunchy.
Can I substitute the sunflower oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil or another neutral vegetable oil for sautéing if sunflower oil is unavailable.
Which fresh herbs are recommended for this dish?
A sprig of fresh oregano or thyme is recommended to add aromatic depth to the risotto.
Why is dry white wine used in the recipe?
Dry white wine is used to deglaze the pan and add a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the bacon and butter.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of chopped and peeled tomatoes, which are added toward the end of cooking.
What role does butter play in this risotto?
Stirring in a tablespoon of butter just before serving creates a glossy, rich, and extra-creamy finish.
How do I prepare the black olives?
The olives should be stoned (pitted) and quartered before being stirred into the finished dish.
Is it necessary to cover the pan?
Yes, covering the pan with a tight-fitting lid while simmering helps the rice absorb the liquid evenly.
How often should I stir the risotto?
You should stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and to encourage the release of starches.
What should I do if the rice is still hard after using all the stock?
If the rice is not yet al dente, you can gradually add more hot stock or water until the desired texture is reached.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use a high-quality vegetable stock instead of meat-based stock.
How should I garnish the risotto?
Garnish the final dish with additional fresh thyme sprigs for a fresh aromatic touch.
Can I use long-grain rice instead of risotto rice?
No, long-grain rice will not release the same amount of starch and will result in a dry texture rather than a creamy risotto.
What type of pan is best for cooking risotto?
A large, heavy-based pan is best because it provides even heat distribution and prevents the rice from burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Risotto is naturally gluten-free, but you must ensure that your stock and any other processed ingredients are certified gluten-free.
When should I season the dish?
You should season with salt and pepper when adding the mushrooms and initial stock, then adjust the seasoning again just before serving.
How do I prep the garlic?
The recipe calls for one garlic clove to be crushed before adding it to the rice.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 distinct ingredients used to create this Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Risotto.
Can I add Parmesan cheese to this recipe?
While not listed in the main ingredients, adding grated Parmesan cheese along with the butter is a common way to add even more creaminess and saltiness.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, the combination of elegant ingredients like white wine and mixed mushrooms makes it perfect for both cozy dinners and formal gatherings.