Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1 tablespoonbutter
- 1 cupArborio rice
- 1 ½ cupssliced mushrooms
- 1small red onion, finely diced
- 1 pintcherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoonstomato paste
- 4 cupshot water or low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
- 1 teaspoonsalt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ cupfresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoonslemon juice
- ½ cupcrumbled feta cheese (about2 ounces)
- Extra olive oil, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Sauté the Base
- In a large skillet or heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and sizzling.
- Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook another 4–5 minutes until golden and tender.
- 2. Cook the Tomatoes and Garlic
- Add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- 3. Toast the Rice
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat each grain with the tomato mixture.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the rice turns slightly translucent at the edges.
- 4. Add Liquid Gradually
- Pour in 2 cups of hot water or broth, stirring to combine.
- Simmer uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid is absorbed (about 6–8 minutes).
- Continue adding the remaining 2 cups, one at a time, allowing each addition to absorb before adding the next.
- Stir constantly to create a creamy consistency.
- 5. Season and Finish
- Once the rice is tender but still slightly firm in the center, reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the lemon juice, oregano, black pepper, and any remaining salt to taste.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just to combine the flavors.
- 6. Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the feta cheese until slightly melted and creamy.
- Spoon into bowls, top with the remaining feta, and drizzle lightly with olive oil for a glossy finish.