Mediterranean Diet Mushroom Risotto

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy flavors of this Mediterranean Diet Mushroom Risotto, a wholesome twist on the classic Italian favorite. Featuring the earthy richness of sautéed cremini mushrooms, bright notes of fresh thyme and lemon zest, and a luxurious finish of grated Parmesan cheese, this dish beautifully balances comfort and elegance. Made with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, low-sodium vegetable broth, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect choice for a satisfying yet mindful meal. The key to its velvety texture lies in the gradual addition of warm broth, a time-honored technique that transforms Arborio rice into a luscious, creamy masterpiece. Ready in just 45 minutes, this risotto is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with a sprinkle of parsley and a wedge of lemon for a vibrant garnish that ties the flavors together. Whether you're embracing the Mediterranean diet or simply seeking a gourmet plant-forward dish, this recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups Arborio rice
• 0.5 cup Dry white wine
• 4 cups Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 8 ounces Cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Thyme, fresh and chopped
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat to keep it warm.

Step 2

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they are softened and any liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.

Step 5

Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly until it is fully absorbed by the rice.

Step 6

Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20 minutes.

Step 7

Once the rice is tender and creamy, stir in the fresh thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for an added citrus touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1868.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1065.7

Total Fat 42.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 2455.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.5g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 33.0g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 599.5mg	0%
Iron 3.7mg	0%
Potassium 2072.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.3%

Protein: 13.0%

Carbs: 49.7%