Wild Mushroom Risotto

I had a craving for warm, creamy risotto for lunch this week. While there are a hundred different risotto recipes, this is one of my favorites. The trick to making risotto is constantly stirring it while it absorbs the liquid. I love the mild woodsy flavor of the wild mushrooms. The truffle oil drizzled on top adds a beautiful finish to this dish, reminding me of our vacation in Italy.

For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock.

Source: Wild Mushroom Risotto, Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook

Ingredients
3 ½ cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth
2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
8 ounces shiitake or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (if using shiitakes, discard stems)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
¾ cup Arborio rice
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Truffle oil for drizzling (optional, but highly recommended!)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or flat-leaf parsley

Directions
Bring the stock to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and keep the stock hot.

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender and slightly brown, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the rice and stir well, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and simmer, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Add ¾ cup of the hot stock, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until the stock is absorbed. Add the remaining hot stock ¾ cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be fully absorbed before adding more, until the rice is just tender and the risotto is creamy. The total cooking time is 20 to 25 minutes.

Stir in the ¼ cup cheese, the thyme, and butter. If the rice appears dry, add up to ¼ cup water to loosen the risotto slightly. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Serve in large bowls and drizzle with truffle oil, if desired. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese and the chives.