Arborio rice slow-cooked with earthy mushrooms and vegetable broth, stirred gradually until the starch releases into a thick, creamy consistency — no dairy required. Nutritional yeast and a splash of dry white wine add depth and a savory, umami-rich finish. Plan on about 45 minutes of active cooking time.
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oilorganic and cold-pressed if possible
1largeyellow onionfinely chopped
3clovesgarlicminced
1.5cupsArborio riceshort-grain rice, do not rinse
1poundcremini or mixed wild mushroomscleaned and sliced
Liquid & Seasoning
6cupsvegetable brothwarmed in a separate pot
¼cupdry white winevegan-certified
1teaspoonsea saltadjust to taste
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Finishing Touches
2tablespoonsvegan butterunsalted, optional for richness
⅓cupnutritional yeastfor cheesy flavor
1tablespoonfresh parsleyminced, for garnish
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Instructions
Warm the vegetable broth in a small saucepan over low heat, keeping it at a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring frequently.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 7-9 minutes or until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Stir in the Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. It should glisten and make a faint popping sound.
Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping any fond from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the wine is fully absorbed, about 1–2 minutes.
Add 1 cup of warm broth to the rice and stir continuously until most of the liquid is absorbed. Repeat, one cup at a time, stirring regularly, allowing each addition to absorb before the next (this takes about 25–30 minutes).
Once the rice is al dente and the texture is creamy, stir in the vegan butter and nutritional yeast. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with a splash of extra broth if needed.
Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Plate immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and cremini for added umami depth.
You can make this oil-free by dry-sautéing in a bit of vegetable broth.
Add a splash of truffle oil at the end for a luxurious aromatic touch.