Easy Vegan Cheesy Mushrooms Risoniotto Recipe

This one-pot recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner using King trumpets and Shimeji mushrooms sautéed to perfection, enhanced with vegan butter and miso. Finished with vegan cheese and herbs, This recipe uses simple ingredients perfect for the whole family perfect for a busy weeknight or midweek dinner. A handful of pantry staples can be added to this recipe for some variation. You can pair this with leafy greens, fresh spinach making it a really comforting meal and definitely a tasty dish.

Recipe inspiration

Inspired by paella we use risoni aka orzo to cook up this hearty creamy mushroom orzo. It is so easy, I didn’t even use aromatics on this one. The flavors of the mushrooms really infused well with the texture of the risoni. We ended up with a creamy and umami dish similar to paella and risotto. This mushroom orzo risotto recipe takes a couple of minutes to prepare. Perfect for a meat lover craving for that extra flavor. Finishing it with plant based butter and a pinch of salt will go a long way. The starch and vegan cheese turns into a creamy sauce.

Variations

You can use Arborio rice instead of Risoni but be mindful of the water ratio. Using Risoni is much more forgiving and hard to mess up. I just eyeballed the water ratio here roughly around 1:1. Finish it off with vegan cheese of any kind. I used vegan shaved Parmesan and Mozzarella. As for herbs feel free to add dill, cilantro or alfalfa sprouts.

Try These creative variations too!

1. Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Risoniotto

Variation: Add fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the risoniotto. Reason: This adds vibrant color and an extra layer of flavor, making the dish even more nutritious and delicious.

2. Lemon Herb Risoniotto

Variation: Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest along with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. Reason: The citrusy flavor brightens up the dish and complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.

3. Creamy White Wine Risoniotto

Variation: Add a splash of white wine to the cooking process. Reason: This brings a sophisticated depth of flavor and aroma to the risoniotto, making it perfect for a special occasion.

What you need

• Mushrooms - A mix of baby bella mushrooms adds a rich, earthy flavor and a meaty texture, perfect for a satisfying vegan dish.
• Olive oil - High-quality olive oil provides a robust, fruity base that enhances the sautéing process and infuses the dish with a Mediterranean touch.
• seasonings - A blend of garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning creates a well-rounded, savory profile that complements the natural flavors of the mushrooms and risoni.
• Miso - A tablespoon of miso paste adds a deep, umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste and providing a subtle, fermented richness.
• Vegan butter - Vegan butter adds a creamy, indulgent texture to the risoniotto, mimicking the richness of traditional butter without animal products.
• Risoni - Risoni, also known as orzo pasta, offers a tender, rice-like texture that absorbs the flavors of the creamy sauce, making each bite delectable and comforting.
• Herbs - Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley bring a fragrant, earthy aroma and a burst of fresh, green flavor, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce.

What you do

• Melt butter (vegan) Sauté Mushrooms fo 4-5 minutes in a large frying pan, seasoning as you go.
• Add miso and more vegan butter to the pan.
• Give it a good mix then add risoni. Scrape the bottom of the pan.
• Add vegetable stock or water and stir thoroughly.
• Put lid on and simmer till fully cooked.
• Finish with some herbs, black pepper, lemon juice, vegan cheese and vegan butter to your own liking if you have them on hand.

Substitutions

Pasta - If you don't have risoni pasta, you can substitute it with any other small pasta shape like macaroni or small shells. Whole wheat orzo is also a better option.

Mushrooms - Feel free to use any type of mushrooms you prefer or have on hand, such oyster mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, baby Bella mushrooms, button, or shiitake. White beans, baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes can be a nice flavor enhancer too.

Broth - If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use water or mushroom broth as a substitute.

Soy Sauce - If you don't have soy sauce or tamari, you can use liquid aminos or coconut aminos instead. Balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, coconut milk will also add a dynamic flavor profile. Vegan bouillon cubes are a good flavor enhancer too.

Nutritional Yeast - Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but if you don't have it, you can omit it or substitute with vegan Parmesan cheese.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the orzo pasta with gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free small pasta variety.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a large saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain the creamy consistency.

3. Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! Baby bella mushrooms are great, but you can also use cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms for a varied texture and flavor.

4. Is there a substitute for white wine?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice as a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine.

5. How do I prevent the risoniotto from becoming too dry?

If the risoniotto becomes dry, add a bit of vegetable broth or water while reheating, stirring constantly to bring back the creamy texture.

Achieving Perfect Creaminess

Top Tip: Constantly stir the risoniotto while it cooks and gradually add the vegetable broth. Reason: This technique helps release the starches from the pasta, ensuring a creamy and smooth consistency.

Intensifying Mushroom Flavor

Hint: Sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown before adding them to the risoniotto. Reason: This step intensifies their flavor and adds a delicious depth to the dish.

This easy vegan cheesy mushrooms risoniotto recipe is a delicious and versatile dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners or elegant meals. The variations and substitutions allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy a creamy and flavorful meal that the whole family will love!

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. Gently heat the risoni with mushrooms in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious vegan risoni with mushrooms! This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the comforting texture of risoni pasta. It's a simple and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

Other risoni recipes!

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Orzo

https://www.rabbitandwolves.com/dump-and-bake-vegan-tuscan-orzo/

https://shortgirltallorder.com/vegan-tuscan-orzo