Creamy One Pot Rice with Mushroom and Herbs
Are you a fan of comforting, flavorful side-dishes that are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious? If so, get ready to be blown away by the perfect combination of creamy rice and yummy mushroom magic. This culinary duo is a match made in heaven, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or a satisfying side dish, this creamy rice and mushroom dish have got you covered. Luscious, creamy risotto infused with earthy mushrooms, or a creamy mushroom and rice casserole that tantalizes your senses with every bite. From simple weeknight dinners to elegant dinner party fare, this versatile combination will never disappoint.
Why We Love This Creamy Rice with Mushrooms Side Dish
We love this rice side dish because it’s creamy rice with the earthiness addition of fresh mushrooms. A side dish of pure comfort food.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients Needed for Creamy Rice with Mushrooms:
- Long grain rice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Mushrooms
- Dried thyme
- Vegetable or chicken stock
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parsley
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make Creamy Rice with Mushrooms
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms develop some color, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the dried thyme and the rice.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the thyme becomes fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the vegetable or chicken stock and increase the heat to high.
- Bring the rice to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat down to medium low and cover with a lid.
- Let the rice simmer for 10 minutes then turn the heat off and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and parsley.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
- Enjoy Your Delicious Rice Dish!
What to Serve with Creamy Rice and Mushrooms
Cast Iron Skillet Fried Chicken Thighs
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops Cooked in the Skillet
Club Steak
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Creamy Rice and Mushroom Dish
Cooking the perfect creamy rice and mushroom dish requires a few tips and tricks to ensure that the flavors are well balanced, and the textures are just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious rice dish:
- Use the right type of rice – Different types of rice have different starch contents, which affects the creaminess of the dish.
- Always Sauté the mushrooms separately – To enhance the flavors of the mushrooms, it’s best to sauté them separately before adding them to the creamy rice. This allows the mushrooms to develop a deep, rich flavor and ensures that they are cooked properly.
- Add the liquid gradually – When cooking creamy rice, it’s important to add the liquid gradually, allowing the rice to absorb it slowly. This helps release the starch from the rice and creates a creamy texture. Adding the liquid all at once can result in mushy rice.
- Stir constantly when adding the rice – Stirring the rice constantly while it’s cooking helps release the starch and creates a creamy texture. It also prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Be sure to use a wooden spoon or a spatula to avoid breaking the rice grains.
- Season well – Don’t forget to season your creamy rice and mushroom dish with salt and pepper. The mushrooms have a natural umami flavor, but they still need a bit of salt to enhance the flavors. Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Delicious side dish made with rice and fresh mushrooms
- 1 cup long grain rice rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 10 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parsley chopped
- salt and black pepper to taste
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Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms develop some color, approximately 5-6 minutes.
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Add the dried thyme and the rice.
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Continue cooking until the thyme becomes fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
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Add the vegetable stock and increase the heat to high.
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Bring the rice to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat down to medium low and cover with a lid.
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Let the rice simmer for 10 minutes then turn the heat off and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
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Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork.
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Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and parsley.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
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Enjoy!
Creamy Rice and Mushroom Dishes for Special Dietary Needs
Creamy rice and mushroom dishes can easily be adapted to suit special dietary needs. Here are some variations that you can try:
1. Vegan/Vegetarian: To make creamy rice and mushroom dishes vegan or vegetarian, simply substitute the dairy products with plant-based alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream. The result is a creamy and delicious dish that is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
2. Gluten-Free: Rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Ensure that the other ingredients, such as broths and seasonings, are also gluten-free to create a completely safe and delicious dish.
3. Low-Fat: If you’re watching your fat intake, you can make creamy rice and mushroom dishes with low-fat or skimmed dairy products. Alternatively, you can use a combination of broth and pureed vegetables to create a creamy texture without the need for added fats.
4. Low-Carb: For a low-carb version of creamy rice and mushroom dishes, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These alternatives provide a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as rice.
By making simple substitutions and adjustments, you can create creamy rice and mushroom dishes that cater to a variety of dietary needs.
The Many Benefits of Incorporating Mushrooms into Your Diet
In addition to their delicious flavor and versatility in cooking, mushrooms also offer numerous health benefits. They are a low-calorie food that is packed with essential nutrients, making them a great addition to any diet. Mushrooms are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. They are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, potassium, and selenium.
One of the unique health benefits of mushrooms is their ability to boost the immune system. They contain a compound called beta-glucans, which have been shown to enhance the activity of immune cells and improve the body’s defense against infections. Incorporating mushrooms into your diet can help strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy.
Mushrooms are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. By including mushrooms in your creamy rice dishes, you not only add flavor but also contribute to your overall health and well-being.
You will Love – Why we Should Eat More Mushrooms
