Butternut Squash and Mushroom Risotto

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is one of my all time favorite dishes.  In the fall, I like to add some butternut squash to it.  In the summer, modify it with peas instead. Really, you can add anything you like.  I sometimes add bacon, raisins, and pine nuts too.  It's one of those recipes that you can not mess up!  It is mainly about the creamy rice with some flavors that I am craving thrown in for zest.  This is truly one of the best comfort foods I enjoy all year round.  Serve it for your family and friends and Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 cups chopped peeled butternut - chop fairly small - Walmart usually has it already chopped : )
• 2 cups shiitake or portabello mushroom caps, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons of fresh
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup arborio rice - available in most super markets
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

1. Place broth in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth remains steaming, but is not simmering.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in squash and mushrooms; cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms give off their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, salt, and pepper ); cook for 30 seconds. Add rice; stir until translucent, about 1 minute. Add wine and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed by the rice, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup of the hot broth; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has been absorbed. Continue adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until all the liquid has been absorbed, until the rice is tender and creamy, 30 to 40 minutes total. (You may have some broth left.) Remove from the heat and stir in cheese.