Name: Amaranth "Risotto" With Mushrooms
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms (about 1 cup); 2 cups boiling water plus 2 1/2 cups cold water; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups); 2 cups amaranth; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 pound sliced mushrooms (white, baby bella, cremini, or a mixture); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 3 tablespoons sherry (any type from dry to cream); Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Animal Seafood Lobster Sea Life Vegetable Lentil and Bean

Amaranth "Risotto" With MushroomsKemp Minifie

No offense to traditional risotto lovers, but risotto made with amaranth is so much easier because it doesn't require 20 minutes of near-constant stirring. Just leave your amaranth to bubble slowly on the back of the stove, while you sauté our mushrooms for the buttery topping.

Dried porcini mushrooms bump up the woodsy flavor of the topping, while their soaking liquid becomes a deep, mushroomy stock in which to cook the amaranth. This risotto is ideal for Meatless Mondays and will please all your vegan friends to boot, but if you are craving some cheese, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of Parmesan stirred into the risotto at the end will give it that extra boost that only Parmesan can deliver. Or keep it vegan and pass a bowl of grated cheese separately for those who want it.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Risotto Minus the Rice
Arborio's great and all, but there are so many ways to make this creamy classic. Here, eight alternatives to get you started.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Recipe notes

Risotto Minus the Rice