Vegan Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
Vegan Mushroom and Spinach Risotto is a creamy, rich, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and flavored with garlic and herbs, this risotto is dairy-free and made with vegetable broth for a lighter, yet satisfying, option. The slow-cooked rice absorbs all the savory flavors, making it the perfect vegan alternative to a traditional risotto.
- Author: Mason Recipes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Prepare the broth:
- In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat to keep it warm during the cooking process.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In a large skillet or wide pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Cook the risotto:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the mushrooms and stir to coat the rice with the oil and flavors.
- If using wine, pour in the wine and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add the broth:
- Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the liquid to be absorbed by the rice before adding more broth. Repeat this process until the rice is tender and creamy (about 18-20 minutes). You may not need all the broth.
- Finish the risotto:
- Once the rice is cooked to your desired texture, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Add salt, pepper, thyme, and optional nutritional yeast. Stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier risotto, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk or almond milk at the end of cooking.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated with a little extra vegetable broth to restore its creamy texture.
- For added protein, try mixing in some cooked chickpeas or tofu.
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