AN EVENING IN
A mushroom risotto for two
Cook mushroom risotto using half the linked four-person recipe, then settle in for dinner at home once you both feel comfortable meeting there.
Why this one.
Our pick for an evening where dinner is enough: share the cooking or let one person take the lead, without adding another activity.
The evening
An editorial grocery allowance of A$55 for two, not a quoted price or maximum bill. Pantry supplies, pack sizes and wine choice will affect the actual spend.
Have ready
- Dried porcini, chestnut mushrooms, onion and garlic
- Risotto rice, a vegetable stock cube and boiling water
- Olive oil, white wine and butter
- Parsley, Parmesan or Grana Padano, salt and pepper
- A hob and a shallow saucepan or deep frying pan with a lid or suitable cover
- A kettle, two preparation bowls, a sieve and a measuring jug
- Kitchen scales, measuring spoons, a chopping board, a knife and a grater
- A stirring spoon, a ladle, two serving bowls and cutlery
- The linked recipe on an internet-connected device or a printed copy, with quantities halved
- ABOUT 0 MINUTES IN
Get dinner started.
Soak the porcini and prepare the ingredients. These are flexible planning times; use the recipe for cooking guidance.
- ABOUT 20 MINUTES IN
Take your time at the stove.
Cook the risotto, sharing the stirring if you like. There is no need to divide every task equally.
- ABOUT 55 MINUTES IN
Sit down to dinner.
Let the finished risotto rest briefly under its cover, then serve and enjoy an unhurried meal.
If plans change.
If the kitchen is cramped, have one person cook while the other sets the table and handles the washing-up.
The little details & sources
Published information, with an original plan curated by Astra. Timings are suggested allowances. Choose a date below to check the current hours and practical fit.
Open the original references (1)
- Mushroom risotto recipe | Good Food ↗ Checked 1 Oct 2026