SAFFRON RISOTTO W/ CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS
When Chanterelle mushrooms are in season this is always a go to. I recommend looking for them at a local farmers market if you can. These mushrooms are versatile but pack a nutty punch. Give this risotto a try if chanterelles are in season.
What Snookie Uses:

Ingredients:
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5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
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2 bay leaf's
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2 cups arborio rice
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1/2 cup white wine
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10-12 strands saffron
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2 tbsp water
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8 cups chicken stock
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3 tbsp butter
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1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
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1/2 cup Port Salut cheese
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1-1/2 cups chantarelle mushrooms
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2 cloves garlic
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2 sprigs thyme
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kosher salt, to taste

Instructions:
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In a large sauce pan, on medium-low heat, add 3 tbsp olive oil.
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Add diced onions and bay leaves. Sweat onions until transparent (8 minutes).
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Stir in the arborio rice, mix for 2 minutes.
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With a mortar and pestle, bloom the saffron by grinding the saffron with water.
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Add white wine and saffron and lower heat.
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Once liquid is mostly evaporated you can begin adding your warmed chicken stock, starting with roughly 3 cups.
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Continue adding every few minutes until rice is cooked.
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Add your cheese and stir until melted.
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In a separate pan add 2 tbsp of olive oil and your chanterelle mushrooms. After about 2 minutes add your garlic and thyme.
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Sauté until tender. Garnish your saffron risotto and Enjoy!


