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Healthy Mushroom Risotto

Apr 22, 2013 | Recipe, Recipes for Runners | 1 comment

Often people think ‘healthified’ recipes that don’t taste as good, or that they’re missing something. Well, not in this recipe.

I love risotto, and used to make it all the time, but usually risotto isn’t the healthiest of dishes, laden with butter, wine and cheese, not to mention being heavy in refined carbs. This version cuts down on all this by replacing the butter with a little oil, and half of the rice with qunioa. The quinoa packs a protein punch so this is a great veggie dish, but would work in most risotto recipes.

I actually prefer this version to a traditional risotto, and it leaves you feeling satisfied without over full!

I used the mushrooms and leeks from my Riverford Organic vegetable box last week, (I had an offer for one free box). It was full of great, fresh produce, I wish I could get a box every week!

Mushroom Quinoa Risotto  (based on this Good Housekeeping version)

2tsp olive oil
2 leeks, finely sliced
150g arborio rice
150g quinoa
1.2 litre hot vegetable stock
250g mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
25g parmesan, finely grated
truffle oil, optional (but super tasty!)

1 Heat 1tsp oil in a large saucepan and fry the leeks until soft, about 5min (add a little water to the pan if it begins to stick).

2 Add the rice and quinoa, fry for a minute, before adding a little of the stock. Bring to the boil, and stirring constantly, add a little of the stock at a time until all of it has been absorbed and the rice/quinoa is cooked through, about 20mins.

3 Meanwhile, heat 1tsp oil in a large frying pan over a high heat and cook the mushrooms, until soft, about 10min. Stir in the garlic for the final minute of cooking.

4 Stir the mushroom mixture into the risotto, season to taste. Stir in the parmesan, and garnish with a little truffle oil, if you like.
For extra nutrients, why not stir some spinach in until just wilted!

This makes a great packed lunch, or tastes great served with cooked chicken, or a lovingly prepared salad!!

How do you ‘healthify’ your recipes? I always love a healthy tip or swap!

1 Comment

  1. KW

    I use agave syrup instead of sugar (that requires small doses since I haven’t figured it too much out in baking. I try to use sweet potatoes more than regular potatoes. I’m trying to use more fresh ingredients instead of spices all the time. And I am using lentils more instead of say meat or maybe beans. More protein.

    Reply

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