Cedar Warm Mushroom Thyme (Printable)

Earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme melted into creamy arborio rice with a hint of cedar aroma for cozy meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Mushrooms

01 - 14 oz mixed wild mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), cleaned and sliced
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Risotto Base

04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 10.5 oz arborio rice
07 - 0.5 cup dry white wine
08 - 4.25 cups vegetable stock, kept warm
09 - 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
10 - 1 small food-safe cedar wood plank, soaked for 1 hour

→ Finishing

11 - 1.75 oz grated Parmigiano Reggiano (plus extra for serving)
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
13 - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
14 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the soaked cedar plank on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes to release its aroma. Remove and set aside.
02 - In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden and tender, about 6–8 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
03 - Add more olive oil if needed to the same pot. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Add arborio rice to the pot and toast while stirring for 2 minutes until grains appear glossy and slightly translucent.
05 - Pour in the dry white wine and stir continuously until fully absorbed.
06 - Place the cedar plank at an angle on the rim of the pot without submerging. Add fresh thyme sprigs to infuse flavor during cooking.
07 - Gradually add warm vegetable stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue for 18–20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
08 - Return sautéed mushrooms to the pot during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Remove thyme sprigs and cedar plank before finishing.
09 - Stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano, 2 tbsp butter, and lemon zest if desired. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
10 - Plate the risotto while hot. Garnish with additional fresh thyme and Parmigiano Reggiano before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Earthy and aromatic flavors
  • Comforting and unique cedarwood infusion
02 -
  • For a smoky touch briefly torch the cedar plank before use
  • Substitute shiitake with porcini for deeper flavor
03 -
  • Toast the rice well for a nuttier flavor
  • Keep the stock warm to maintain cooking temperature and texture
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