Morel Mushroom and Prawn Risotto

The rich, earthy flavor of wild morel mushrooms pairs beautifully with succulent, garlic-infused prawns in this velvety risotto. Arborio rice cooked slowly in white wine and savory broth creates a creamy base that ties it all together with the zest and brightness of fresh lemon. This dish is an elevated comfort meal that brings gourmet flair to your dinner table. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself, Morel Mushroom and Prawn Risotto delivers a luxurious yet approachable meal perfect for spring evenings or a cozy weekend dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (kept warm)

• 1 cup fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and chopped

• 8 large prawns, peeled and deveined

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Zest of ½ lemon

• Juice of ½ lemon

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prawns and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pan, add butter and sauté onions until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Add the morel mushrooms and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

4. Stir in the Arborio rice and toast it lightly for about 1 minute.

5. Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine is absorbed.

6. Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente.

7. Stir in the cooked prawns, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Culinary Gem: The Allure of Morel Mushroom and Prawn Risotto

Risotto is the embodiment of Italian comfort food  creamy, rich, and satisfying. Among the many risotto variations, few deliver the same level of indulgence and earthy elegance as Morel Mushroom and Prawn Risotto. This gourmet fusion blends the forest-like aroma of wild morel mushrooms with the sweet, briny succulence of prawns, creating a dish that’s perfect for special occasions and cozy nights alike.

From the delicate balance of flavors to the luxurious texture, this dish invites you to slow down and savor every bite. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or exploring new culinary territory, this risotto is an impressive yet approachable meal that celebrates both land and sea.

Why Morel Mushrooms? A Rare Ingredient Worth Seeking

Morel mushrooms aren’t your everyday fungi  they’re revered by chefs and foragers alike. Their honeycomb-like caps and earthy, nutty flavor profile make them a prized seasonal ingredient. Unlike button or portobello mushrooms, morels are only available fresh for a short window in spring and early summer, although dried versions are accessible year-round and work beautifully when rehydrated.

What sets morels apart is their deep umami flavor and slightly chewy texture, which hold up well in creamy dishes like risotto. They don’t get lost in the sauce they enhance it. Their savory complexity mingles with the creamy Arborio rice base, creating a luxurious taste that’s hard to replicate with other mushrooms.

The Role of Prawns: A Seafood Element with Elegance

Prawns add a coastal twist to this otherwise woodland dish. They provide a meaty contrast to the soft rice and tender mushrooms, bringing a slightly sweet and briny flavor that balances the morels’ earthiness. Cooked with garlic and a touch of lemon, the prawns infuse the risotto with additional depth and brightness.

When sourcing prawns, opt for wild-caught or responsibly farmed varieties. Fresh or frozen both work — the key is quality and size. Jumbo prawns offer the best bite, while smaller shrimp can be used in a pinch but won’t have quite the same impact in terms of texture or presentation.

The Art of Making Risotto: A Meditative Process

Making risotto is about patience, timing, and stirring lots of stirring. The process of slowly adding warm broth one ladle at a time and gently stirring allows the starches in the Arborio rice to release gradually. This is what gives risotto its signature creamy consistency without the use of any cream.

This meditative cooking process is part of the risotto’s charm. It invites you to stay present in the kitchen, smell the aromas as they develop, and witness the transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s not difficult it just requires your attention and care.

Flavor Enhancements: Parmesan, Lemon, and Garlic

While the stars of this dish are the morels and prawns, it’s the supporting cast that rounds out the flavor profile:

• Parmesan cheese brings in saltiness and body, enriching the risotto with a sharp, nutty note.

• Garlic (especially when sautéed with prawns) infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.

• Lemon zest and juice lift the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh, bright finish.

These additions work in harmony to create layers of flavor that evolve with every bite.

Nutritional Benefits of the Dish

This dish doesn’t just taste amazing it also offers a surprisingly well-rounded nutritional profile:

• Morel mushrooms are low in calories but high in antioxidants, potassium, iron, and vitamin D. They’re a nutritious way to add depth to vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes alike.

• Prawns are rich in protein and low in fat, making them an excellent lean source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and iodine.

• Arborio rice, while more indulgent than brown rice, offers a decent source of energy and, when eaten in moderation, is perfectly suitable for most balanced diets.

• Lemon and parsley bring in vitamin C and detoxifying compounds, rounding out the meal with freshness and brightness.

When paired with a light salad or a glass of white wine, this risotto can be both comforting and healthful.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

Wine can elevate this dish to restaurant-quality levels. Because risotto is already rich, opt for wines with acidity and citrus notes to balance the creaminess. Some excellent pairing options include:

• Sauvignon Blanc – crisp and citrusy, complementing the lemon and seafood notes.

• Pinot Grigio – a light Italian white that won’t overpower the delicate mushrooms.

• Chardonnay (unoaked) – smooth with a round texture that pairs well with the creamy rice.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a dry rosé or even a light red like Pinot Noir could also work, especially if the mushrooms are particularly earthy or you’re using dried morels with a bolder flavor.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Presentation makes a big difference with a dish as refined as this. Consider these tips for a beautiful plating experience:

• Serve the risotto in shallow, wide bowls to let the creamy texture shine.

• Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, extra lemon zest, or a Parmesan shaving.

• Add the prawns last, arranging them on top for an elegant finish.

• A light drizzle of truffle oil (optional) can add another layer of sophistication.

Serve this risotto as a standalone main course, or as part of a multi-course meal with a light appetizer like a fennel salad or roasted asparagus.

A Perfect Recipe for Special Moments

This risotto isn’t an everyday recipe and that’s what makes it special. It’s ideal for occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, date nights, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

It’s also a wonderful way to celebrate springtime when fresh morels make their brief appearance in markets or forests. The interplay of ingredients showcases how simple, high-quality components can be transformed into something gourmet with just a bit of time and love.

Conclusion:

Morel Mushroom and Prawn Risotto is more than just a dish it’s an experience. It speaks to nature’s bounty, the elegance of slow cooking, and the art of flavor layering. From the wild, meaty mushrooms to the delicate seafood and creamy rice, every bite offers a new sensory delight.

This recipe celebrates both rustic tradition and culinary sophistication. It’s perfect for impressing guests, treating a loved one, or indulging your own foodie heart. When made with care and served with pride, it becomes a meal worth remembering.

So the next time you find morels at the farmer’s market or spot prawns on sale, don’t hesitate. Bring a little magic to your kitchen with this unforgettable risotto.