Vegan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto

Purely Plant Plates

2/20/2025

Description

This Vegan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto is a rich, comforting dish that brings together creamy coconut milk, earthy mushrooms, and savory garlic for an indulgent yet plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's both creamy and satisfying, without any dairy or cheese. Each bite is full of flavor and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice

  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter

  • 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, warm the vegetable broth over low heat. This will be used to cook the rice, so keep it hot while you cook the risotto.

  2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large pan or skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the mushrooms and garlic. Stir the rice for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly toasted and coated in the butter.

  4. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If using, pour in the white wine and let it cook off for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the wine is absorbed.

  5. Cook the Risotto: Begin adding the hot vegetable broth to the rice, ½ cup at a time. Stir frequently, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more broth. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is tender but still slightly firm in the center, about 18-20 minutes. You may not use all the broth, so keep an eye on the consistency of the rice.

  6. Finish with Coconut Milk and Seasoning: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and fresh thyme. Let the risotto simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon zest. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 340

  • Fat: 12g

  • Carbohydrates: 50g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Protein: 6g

  • Sodium: 500mg

  • Sugars: 3g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands used.)

Risotto is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings warmth and richness to every meal. This Vegan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto is a plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite, and it’s here to steal your heart. With its creamy texture, earthy mushrooms, and savory garlic flavors, it will transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen, no dairy or cheese required!

This Vegan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying, making it the ideal comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Enjoy this plant-based take on a beloved classic and fall in love with its rich flavors and indulgent texture!

The recipe was inspired by my love for mushrooms and the desire to create a vegan dish that’s every bit as comforting and indulgent as the original. This dish is perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a cozy night in when you want to impress someone with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to eat more plant-based meals, this risotto is sure to satisfy every craving.

Importance of Each Ingredient:

  • Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice is essential for creating the creamy texture of risotto. Arborio rice releases its starch while cooking, giving the dish its signature rich, velvety consistency. Without it, you’d just have regular rice—not quite the same thing!

  • Mushrooms (Cremini or White Button): Mushrooms provide umami flavor and a meaty texture, making them the star of the dish. Their earthy flavor perfectly complements the creaminess of the risotto, and they’re a great source of B-vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

  • Vegan Butter: Adds richness and depth to the risotto. While it mimics the role of traditional butter in the recipe, it’s plant-based, making this dish completely dairy-free.

  • Garlic: Garlic adds a savory, aromatic kick to the risotto and enhances the flavor of the mushrooms and vegan butter. It also has numerous health benefits, including being an immune booster.

  • Coconut Milk (Full-fat): The coconut milk makes the risotto extra creamy without any dairy. It provides a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic and mushrooms, giving the dish a rich, comforting taste.

  • Vegetable Broth: The broth is crucial for cooking the rice and infusing the dish with flavor. Using a good-quality vegetable broth adds depth to the overall taste of the risotto.

  • White Wine (Optional): Adding white wine deglazes the pan and deepens the flavors, giving the risotto a sophisticated edge. You can skip it if you prefer, but it’s highly recommended for a more complex taste.

  • Lemon Zest (Optional): A small hint of lemon zest brightens the dish and enhances the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. It’s a simple yet effective way to add an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for the perfect Risotto:

  • Consistency Check: Risotto should be creamy, not soupy. If it’s too thick, add a little more vegetable broth. If it’s too runny, let it cook a bit longer to allow more liquid to absorb into the rice.

  • Stir Constantly: The key to creamy risotto is to stir often, ensuring that the rice releases its starch and becomes silky smooth.

  • Broth Temperature: Make sure your vegetable broth is warm when added to the rice. Cold broth can lower the cooking temperature, preventing the rice from releasing its starch properly.

Why It’s the Best Recipe:

This risotto is the best because it checks all the boxes—flavor, texture, and nutrition. The creamy, silky-smooth consistency comes from the coconut milk and vegan butter, making it feel indulgent but without the dairy. The earthy flavor from the mushrooms is the perfect balance to the creamy rice, and the garlic ties everything together, giving the dish depth and complexity. It’s a simple yet show-stopping recipe that’s full of plant-based goodness!

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Super Creamy: No dairy, yet ultra-creamy with coconut milk and a bit of vegan butter.

  • Packed with Flavor: Savory mushrooms and garlic infuse every bite, making it irresistible.

  • Comforting: This dish is warm, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners.

  • Healthy & Vegan: You won’t miss the dairy or the meat in this plant-based version of a classic risotto.

  • Easily Customizable: Feel free to switch up the mushrooms, add more veggies, or throw in some fresh herbs!

Vegan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto

Author: Purely Plant Plates

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

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Purely Plant Plates is a comprehensive food blog dedicated to plant-based living, offering a wealth of delicious and nutritious vegan recipes, expert baking tips, and in-depth nutritional insights. Whether you're a long-time vegan, exploring plant-based eating for the first time, or simply looking to incorporate more wholesome, animal-free meals into your diet, this blog is your go-to resource for all things vegan cooking.

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