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Warm Rice Salad with Mushrooms

17/11/2023

The warm rice salad with mushrooms is a versatile and flavorful dish, ideal for transitional seasons or for a light yet nourishing meal. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 200 g of rice (preferably a type that cooks well al dente like Carnaroli or Arborio)
  • 300 g of fresh mushrooms (button, porcini, or a mix according to preference)
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 glass of white wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of butter (optional for a richer version)
  • Grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino, optional to enrich)
  • Lemon juice (to cream the rice and add a touch of acidity)

Preparation

  1. Cook the rice in plenty of salted water following the instructions on the package until it is al dente. Drain the rice and cool it under cold running water to stop the cooking, then let it drain well.

  2. Meanwhile, clean the mushrooms by removing the earthy part of the stem and clean them with a damp cloth or a brush. Slice them if they are large.

  3. In a pan, sauté the garlic with extra virgin olive oil (you can remove it when it has flavored the oil, if you prefer). Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté over high heat. Season with salt, pepper, and, if you like, some chopped parsley. If you have chosen to use the white wine, deglaze the mushrooms with it and let the alcohol evaporate before turning off the heat.

  4. If you decide to use butter, add it at the end of cooking the mushrooms, letting it melt to bind the sauce.

  5. In a large bowl, combine the warm rice with the mushrooms. If you are using grated cheese, add it at this time and mix well to distribute it evenly.

  6. Dress with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, adjust the salt if necessary, and a pinch of pepper. If you wish, you can also add a little lemon juice to give the dish a fresh note.

  7. Serve the warm rice salad immediately or let it rest a bit to allow the flavors to meld together.

Curiosity

In Italy, rice salad is a classic summer recipe, especially for picnics or outdoor meals because it keeps well even at room temperature. The version with mushrooms, however, makes it suitable for all seasons, and it can be customized with the addition of other ingredients such as seasonal vegetables or cheeses to taste.

Warm Rice Salad with Mushrooms