A recipe once again from my youth, my mum would make risotto this way and use oyster mushrooms as they almost have a texture/taste of chicken.

Using a basic risotto recipe which is so simple, no spices or herbs just seasoning.

• serves 2
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, finely diced
• 1 celery stick, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, grated and chopped
• 1 cup risotto rice
• 1 glass white wine (175ml)
• 180g oyster mushrooms, sliced
• Extra whole oyster mushrooms for girdling, approx 5 per person
• 1 pint chicken or vegetable stock, hot
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. back pepper
• 50g butter, diced
• 30g grated parmesan cheese

• Heat the oil and sauté the onions and celery until soft but not coloured.
• Add the garlic, stir well, then add the rice.
• Cook the rice until it is almost translucent then pour in the wine.
• Once the wine is nearly evaporated, add the mushrooms and start adding the stock. I poured mine quarterly, keep the heat low and let the rice absorb the liquid, stirring as you go so it does not stick.
• Season with the salt and pepper.
• Repeat the process with the stock until all of the stock is used, the rice should still have a slight bite.
• Turn off the heat, place the butter and the parmesan over the rice, do not stir, place a lid on and leave for 5 minutes.
• During this 5 minutes I quickly griddled more whole oyster mushrooms, I tossed them in olive oil and seasoned them, then placed over a hot griddle pan and cooked until they had lovely charred griddle lines.
• Remove the lid from the rice and mix well.
• Serve with the whole griddled mushrooms and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Note: To make Vegan, swap the butter for Vegan butter and the parmesan can be swapped for nutritional yeast as it gives a cheese like flavour.