Risotto With Leeks, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Truffles

blucoat's Note:

This delicious vegetarian risotto adapted from Chef Gabriel Rucke, of "Le Pigeon" in Portland, OR and was printed in "Bon Appétit Magzine" (Sept. 2007). I cut down the fat and it is still very rich. If you want to prepare the original recipe, increase whipping cream to 3/4 cup, butter with the mushrooms to 1/4 cup and butter with the rice to 4 tablespoons. Can be served as an appetizer or a main dish.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 55 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

Leeks

• 2 large leeks , halved, thinly sliced crosswise (white and pale green parts only)
• ¼ cup whipping cream

Mushrooms

• 1 lb shiitake mushroom , stemmed, cut into 1/4- to 1/3-inch-thick slices
• 1 onion , halved, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons butter , melted
• 1 tablespoon white truffle oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leave

Risotto

• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
• 1 onion , chopped
• 1 ½ cups arborio rice or 1 ½ cups medium-grain white rice
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 5 cups hot vegetable broth (may need more)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons shaved or choppedblack truffles (optional) or 1 tablespoon truffle oil (optional)
• chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. For leeks: Bring leeks and cream to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until leeks are tender and cream is thick, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm before continuing.)
2. For mushrooms: Preheat oven to 400°F Toss all ingredients on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until mushrooms are tender and light brown around edges, stirring occasionally, about 30-45 minutes. (DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
3. For risotto: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add rice; stir 1 minute. Add wine and stir until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup hot broth. Simmer until broth is almost absorbed, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add more broth, 1 cup at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding next and stirring often, until rice is tender and mixture is creamy, about 20 minutes longer. Stir in leek mixture, mushroom mixture, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cheese, and truffle. Transfer to large bowl, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.