Rating: 3.50
(61)

Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto

August 9, 2023

A hearty, comforting risotto doesn’t have to come with dairy to be rich and satisfying. Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto is a perfect example of how plant-based ingredients can come together to create a creamy, full-flavored dish. With the earthiness of mushrooms, the crispness of asparagus, and the creaminess of arborio rice, this risotto is a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The key to any great risotto is patience, and this dish is no exception. The rice slowly absorbs the vegetable broth, releasing its starches and creating the creamy texture risotto is known for. What makes this version vegan is the use of vegetable broth and a bit of olive oil or plant-based butter to give it richness, without the need for cream or cheese. The result is a lighter, yet still deeply satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor.

The mushrooms take center stage in this risotto, adding depth and an umami richness that makes the dish feel hearty. Whether you use cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms, their tender texture and savory taste enhance the overall profile. Asparagus, fresh and slightly crunchy, balances the richness with its bright, grassy flavor, creating a beautiful contrast against the mushrooms.

Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto is a great choice for dinner parties, as it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite simple to prepare. It also makes an excellent meal prep option, as the leftovers hold up well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

What’s wonderful about this risotto is how easily it can be customized. Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to deepen the flavor, or stir in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy.

This Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto is proof that a plant-based meal can be just as creamy, comforting, and indulgent as its dairy-filled counterparts, all while being wholesome and satisfying.

Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto
Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto
3.50 from 61 votes
A delicious and creamy vegan risotto with mushrooms and asparagus.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh

Instructions
 

  • In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the white wine and stir until it is absorbed by the rice.
  • Begin adding the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until all the broth is used and the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
  • While the risotto is cooking, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • Once the risotto is done, stir in the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the blanched asparagus.
  • Serve the risotto hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 11gFat: 5gFiber: 7g
Calories: 310kcal
Meal Type: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: French
Keyword: risotto, vegan, vegan recipes
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Zaphod Beeblebrox says:

    4 stars
    Super easy and tasty, though I think I added too much garlic, lol.

  2. User avatar Loonquawl and Phouchg says:

    5 stars
    Yum! My new favorite comfort food. The mushrooms were super tasty! 👍

    1. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it was a hit! The mushrooms really do make it shine. Thanks for sharing! 😊

  3. User avatar Michel Ankunding says:

    2 stars
    How do you even cook asparagus? It always comes out tough for me. Help!

  4. User avatar mohamed.schmidt says:

    5 stars
    This vegan risotto is a game changer! So creamy and the flavors are spot on. Definitely making it again!

  5. User avatar coleen.johns1971 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know, I followed the recipe but it turned out a bit bland. Maybe I missed something.

    1. 4 stars
      Maybe you didn’t use enough seasoning? A little more salt and pepper can really bring out the flavors! Also, did you use good quality broth?

  6. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! Even my non-vegan friends loved it! 🥳

  7. User avatar ricky.dickens43 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! Vegans and non-vegans alike love it.

  8. 1 star
    Vegan risotto? Pffft. Nothing beats real cheese! Give me a break with this veggie stuff.

    1. User avatar na.quigley says:

      2 stars
      Nah, I don’t believe in fake cheese. Give me the real deal any day. This recipe sounds wacky to me.

    2. User avatar myles.aufderhar20 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you! Nothing like real cheese! But this vegan risotto could surprise you. Nutritional yeast adds a nice cheesy flavor. Give it a shot!

  9. User avatar france.dooley33 says:

    5 stars
    I thought risotto was hard to make, but this recipe is really easy! Thanks!

    1. 5 stars
      I agree! I was so intimidated by risotto before, but this turned out great! Thanks for sharing!

    2. User avatar Rito Chieftain says:

      2 stars
      Really? It seems like a lot of steps for just rice. I think I’d rather just cook plain rice.

  10. User avatar Wilton West says:

    1 star
    I hate mushrooms but gave it a try anyway. Didn’t win me over, sorry.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get it! Mushrooms can be an acquired taste. Have you tried substituting them with something else?

    2. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

      3 stars
      So, you just not like any mushrooms? I even tried it with just vegs, still good! Just saying.

  11. 2 stars
    Why do they call it risotto? It’s more like a soup. Just my opinion. 🤷‍♂️

  12. User avatar pat.schuster7 says:

    2 stars
    I mean, its just rice with veggies. Not a big fan of mushrooms anyways. Don’t get the hype.

  13. 2 stars
    Not a fan of nutritional yeast. Can’t substitute with cheese?

  14. 4 stars
    Yum! Tried it with red wine instead and it worked fine!

  15. User avatar numbers.funk2024 says:

    5 stars
    OMG! I love mushrooms! This is the best. ❤

  16. User avatar marylin.littel22 says:

    3 stars
    I tried this recipe and it ended up mushy. I guess I left it on the stove too long? Not sure what happened. 😕

    1. User avatar francis.langworth says:

      4 stars
      Sounds like you might have overcooked it! Risotto needs constant stirring and adding broth slowly. It’s tricky but worth it! ❤️

  17. User avatar reggie.roob86 says:

    2 stars
    Took me ages to make, and I’m not sure it was worth it. Seemed too mushy, not sure if I did it right.

  18. 4 stars
    The asparagus was a nice touch! Looks fancy but easy to cook. Great recipe!

  19. User avatar andres.abbott says:

    5 stars
    This is one of the best risottos I’ve ever made! The flavors are on point. Definitely a keeper!

    1. User avatar alonso.von45 says:

      3 stars
      I don’t know… it looks good, but is it really that good? I tried a similar recipe and it was kinda bland.

    2. 5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! This recipe is so delicious, I can’t wait to make it again.

  20. User avatar octavio.swift39 says:

    3 stars
    Risotto takes too long to make for a weeknight meal. I prefer quicker dinners. 👍

  21. User avatar Mr. Popo says:

    1 star
    The recipe was too complicated. Who has time to stir for 25 mins? I won’t make it again. 😩

    1. User avatar sheila.schneider51 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get where you’re coming from! Making risotto can be a bit much, especially with all that stirring. Maybe try a simpler recipe next time? 😅

    2. User avatar benny.daugherty92 says:

      3 stars
      But it’s not that hard! Just put on some music and stir while you enjoy it. It’s the best part about risotto! 😜

  22. User avatar rocky.armstrong1998 says:

    4 stars
    So creamy and delicious! My kids even liked it and they usually hate mushrooms. 😂

  23. User avatar matthew.okon51 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know why all these vegan recipes gotta include nutritional yeast. It’s just weird. Didn’t turn out that great for me.

    1. User avatar ammie.yost58 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get it! Nutritional yeast can be a weird ingredient, but it’s supposed to add a cheesy flavor. Maybe you could try it without next time? Just a thought!

  24. 3 stars
    Used brown rice instead and it was a disaster… I think Arborio is key here.

  25. User avatar Colin the Security Robot says:

    2 stars
    Risotto is overrated. Just saying. Wouldn’t go outta my way to make it again.

  26. User avatar annabell.hoeger8 says:

    3 stars
    I tried this and it was a bit too mushy for my taste. Need to be careful with the broth maybe.

    1. User avatar jasper.crooks8 says:

      4 stars
      I think risotto is supposed to be creamy, but maybe you added too much broth? Just a thought!

  27. User avatar amanda.lowe98 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Perfect for a cozy night in, I didn’t have wine so used a bit of lemon juice! Still great.

  28. User avatar Camellia Herman says:

    5 stars
    Tasty but I added more garlic. Can’t be too much garlic, right? 😁

  29. 2 stars
    I don’t know about this one… My risotto turned out mushy, not sure what I did wrong. Maybe my rice was bad?

  30. User avatar yaeko.bosco75 says:

    3 stars
    Is Arborio rice the same as regular rice? I used brown rice instead and it didn’t cook right. You might wanna clarify that.

  31. 3 stars
    A bit bland for my taste. I added some chili flakes and it was better but still…meh.

  32. User avatar ronny.ward54 says:

    3 stars
    It’s ok, but I think next time I’m adding shrimp because I need more protein.

  33. User avatar Orange Dartwing says:

    3 stars
    It was an okay dish, but I found it a bit bland. Needs more seasoning, maybe try adding some spices?

  34. User avatar hyun.macgyver0 says:

    1 star
    My kids wouldn’t even try it! What’s wrong with them? Kids these days!

    1. User avatar tyesha.connelly29 says:

      4 stars
      Kids can be picky sometimes! Maybe add some cheese next time?

  35. 5 stars
    This is the best risotto I ever made! So creamy! Love the flavors.

    1. 4 stars
      I gotta try this! Sounds delish but is it really that creamy without dairy?

  36. User avatar bob.mcdermott94 says:

    5 stars
    Vegan or not, this is a win! Going to make every week now.

  37. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

    5 stars
    This was soooo good! I can’t believe it’s vegan! My family loved it!

  38. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this! The flavors were incredible and it was super creamy. My new favorite dish!

  39. 5 stars
    Just made this for dinner and my whole family loved it! Even my kids who usually complain about veggies!

  40. User avatar kiyoko.hartmann44 says:

    4 stars
    So easy to follow! I used brown rice instead of Arborio, came out okay, but wud recommend sticking to the recipe.

  41. 3 stars
    I didn’t use white wine, instead, I used apple juice. Not the same, but it was still alright I guess.

  42. User avatar Dr. Amos Ratke says:

    4 stars
    Just made this, but forgot the wine. Still delicious! Gonna try it with wine next time.

    1. User avatar ALTplusF4 says:

      2 stars
      Forgot the wine? How could you! That’s like making pizza without cheese! 😂

    2. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

      4 stars
      I think the wine is key! But hey, if it’s still tasty without it, that’s awesome! I might try skipping it next time too.

3.50 from 61 votes
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