Mushroom, Bacon, & Leek Risotto

I don’t know what the weather’s been like in your neck of the woods, but it’s been chilly around these parts.  You won’t hear me complain about it, I absolutely love fall!  The colder temperatures make me crave comfort food like no other.  When Kristin over at Iowa Girl Eats posted this recipe, I literally counted down the days until it felt chilly enough to make it.  PLUS, risotto works as a lunch, side dish, or can also stand alone as an entree – that’s what I’m talking about!

---

Mushroom, Bacon, and Leek Risotto

• 5 c. chicken stock
• 4 sliced chopped bacon (I used a regular-cut, hickory smoked bacon)
• 3 small leeks (white and green parts only), chopped
• 8 oz. mushrooms
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1/4 c. dry white wine (check this out for some advice on picking the best cooking wine)
• 1 T. fresh thyme
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan
• salt and pepper to taste

That picture has literally nothing to do with the recipe, but I felt all fancy putting the ingredients in different containers.

First, heat up the chicken stock but keep it simmering on low in a saucepan.  You won’t be using it until later, but make sure it’s ready when you need it.  Prep your bacon too, but chopping it and cooking it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.

Set it aside to drain on a towel, but reserve 2 T. of the bacon grease.  If you don’t have 2 T. you will need to add in another fat like olive oil to make 2 T. and heat over medium-high along with the mushrooms, leeks, and shallots.  Season the mixture with salt and pepper and cook until the veggies turn a golden brown (about 8 minutes).  Then add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about another minute.  Finally, add in the 1 c. of arborio rice and give it a nice good stir to incorporate it in.

 

Turn the heat down to medium and add in the 1/4 c. of wine. The rice will absorb the wine pretty quickly, and when it does you’re ready to add in that chicken broth.  This is the only part that sucks:  you’re going to have to stir this pretty much constantly for about 25 minutes.  That’s perfect for me because I love to fuss over things on the stove and I can never just leave things alone!

After 25 minutes, the mixture will be looking nice and thick.  At this point, you should give yourself a pat on the back because you’re freaking awesome.  Then, add in the reserved bacon, thyme, and Parmesan cheese.  Stir it all together until it’s incorporated.  BOOM!  You just made risotto.