Spinach & Porcini Mushroom risotto

By Kiep

The stirring and stirring and stirring for a traditional risotto has a purpose: It releases the starch in the rice, and it's the starch that gives risotto its distinctive creamy texture. We have found, however, that the stirring needn't be constant, just frequent.

Ingredients

• For Mushrooms:
• 1/2 ounce dried porcini or other dried mushrooms
• 1 cup boiling water
• 5 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock, more if needed
• For Rice:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cognac or other brandy
• 1/2 pound spinach, stems removed, leaves washed well and cut into 1-1/2-inch ribbons
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Preparation

Step 1

FOR MUSHROOMS: In a small bowl, soak the dried mushrooms in the boiling water until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove the mushrooms and strain their liquid into a medium saucepan through a sieve lined with a paper towel. Add the broth to the mushroom-soaking liquid; bring to a simmer. Rinse the mushrooms well to remove any grit, chop them, and set aside.


FOR RICE: In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and salt and stir until the rice begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Add the wine, the 1/4 cup cognac, and the chopped mushrooms. Cook until the liquid has been absorbed.


Stir 1/2 cup of simmering broth into the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth has been absorbed. The rice and the broth should bubble gently; adjust the heat as needed. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time and allowing the rice to absorb the broth before adding the next 1/2 cup. Cook the rice until almost tender, about 25 minutes, and add the spinach. Cook, stirring, until the rice is tender, about 5 minutes longer. You may not need to use all the liquid, or you may need to add more broth or some water. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of cognac, the Parmesan, and butter.