Simple Shiitake Mushroom Risotto

Place the dried shiitake mushroom slices in a bowl with warm water for at least 20 minutes, or until softened. Drain and gently squeeze them.

Prepare the hot vegetable broth and, if desired, add the filtered soaking water from the mushrooms for a more intense flavor.

In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped shallot over low heat until it becomes translucent.

Add the rice to the saucepan and toast it for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously, until the grains become glossy.

Add a ladle of hot vegetable broth to the rice and stir gently. Continue adding broth one ladle at a time, waiting for the previous liquid to be absorbed before adding more.

About halfway through cooking the rice, add the rehydrated shiitake mushroom slices and continue cooking, adding broth as before.

When the rice is al dente and creamy, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the margarine and grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or nutritional yeast).

Stir vigorously to create a creamy and homogeneous consistency.

Serve the risotto hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a grind of black pepper to taste.