Session 130 — Mushroom Risotto
← Block 27–28: Italian Overview
Skill: Ladle-by-ladle stock addition; risotto consistency (mantecatura); choosing the right rice
Read first: Mushroom Risotto — RecipeTin Eats
SE reference: Pressure Cooker Mushroom Risotto — SE
What you're learning: Risotto requires Arborio or Carnaroli rice (short-grain, high starch), warm stock added in stages, and the final "mantecatura" — stirring in cold butter off heat until silky and slightly loose. Nagi's version walks through the ladle-by-ladle technique with porcini and thyme. Serve immediately; risotto kills itself waiting.
Full Meal: - Mushroom Risotto (porcini + cremini, ideally) - Simple arugula salad with lemon and Parmesan
🎥 Compare Notes: Risotto — Two Chefs One Recipe (Italia Squisita) — Watch how two different chefs make the same dish diverge in texture and philosophy. The starch discussion alone changes how you hold your spoon at the mantecatura step.