Crimini Mushroom Risotto with Peas and Bacon

Eating Risotto, is like going to your happy place. If you have never tried it or made it, you will love it and your guests will love it.  It's a creamy, comforting, Italian rice dish that can be eaten alone or accompanied by any meat. It's also a dish that requires you to baby sit it and stir constantly so be ready.

There are several versions of it. This version is the favorite from the ones I will be sharing with you. Hope you enjoy! And remember, just keep stirring, just keep stirring, just keep stirring...


Ingredients

5 strips thick cut bacon, finely chopped
6 cups chicken broth
10 oz Crimini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2/3 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
2/3 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp, set on paper towel to absorb the oil and set aside. It will continue to crisp as it sits.

In a large dry pan over medium heat, toast the rice evenly for about 6 minutes, shaking the pan and mixing the rice constantly so it doesn't burn then set aside.

In a medium deep sauce pan, bring the broth to a simmer then turn the heat to a very low heat to keep it warm.

In a large sauce pan over medium heat, add tbsp of olive oil then add 3 tbsp of the butter then melt it. Add the onions salt and pepper and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic. Saute until the mushrooms are tender about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the rice then add the wine. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Now start with the broth. Add 1 cup of hot broth and stir until liquid absorbs, about 3 minutes. Repeat this step until all the broth has been used. Cook until the rice is just tender (aldente) and the mixture is creamy, about 28 minutes. Stir in the last tbsp of butter and the peas then mix in the Parmesan. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top.