Balkan Porcini & Wild Garlic Risotto

Mountain Comfort: Where the "King of Mushrooms" meets the sharp brightness of the wild spring forest.

The King’s Harvest: A Sensory Profile

The King Porcini provides a sensory experience like no other: a dense, velvety texture paired with a flavor profile of roasted sourdough, toasted hazelnuts, and damp earth. When combined with wild garlic, these heavy base notes are elevated by a bright, grassy heat that cleanses the palate.

Our wild-harvested Porcini are gathered by hand in the remote, high-altitude forests of the Balkans. This 100% wild origin is non-negotiable for true quality; the complexity of flavor comes from the mushroom's symbiotic relationship with wild pines and oaks. Air-dried using ancestral methods, our Porcini are a natural superfood, rich in Vitamin D, Selenium, and antioxidants, offering a clean, chemical-free source of intense nutrition.

🥘 The Master Recipe: Rustic Porcini Risotto

• Dried King Porcini — 1.5 oz (rehydrated).
• 1/2 tsp Black Trumpet powder (to ground the flavors with smoky depth).
• 300g Arborio or Carnaroli Rice.
• 1 small Onion, finely minced.
• A handful of fresh Wild Garlic (or 2 cloves regular garlic + fresh parsley).
• 100ml Dry White Wine.
• 3 tbsp Butter | 50g grated Parmigiano or Peccorino.
• 1.2 Liters Vegetable stock (including the Porcini soaking liquid).

The Execution:

1. The Liquid Gold: Soak the dried Porcini in warm water for 25 minutes. Pro Technique: Strain the liquid through a fine sieve. This dark "tea" is the soul of the dish—use it as the primary liquid for cooking the rice to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
2. The Toast: Melt 1 tbsp of butter and olive oil. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the rice and toast for 2 minutes until the edges are see-through. Add the Black Trumpet powder now to coat the grains.
3. The Deglaze: Pour in the wine. Stir until it has completely evaporated, lifting the savory bits from the bottom.
4. The Rhythm: Add the rehydrated Porcini. Begin adding your warm stock/mushroom liquid one ladle at a time. Stir constantly; the friction releases the rice starch, creating that signature Balkan creaminess without needing cream.
5. The Finish: Once the rice is *al dente*, remove from heat. Stir in the remaining butter, cheese, and the finely chopped wild garlic. The residual heat will soften the garlic just enough to release its aroma without losing its bright color.

🍷 Serving Tips & Pairings

Serve in warmed bowls with an extra shaving of cheese and a crack of black pepper. Pair with a medium-bodied Red Wine like a Merlot or a Bulgarian Gamza—the tannins will beautifully balance the richness of the butter and Porcini.

📊 Nutritional Powerhouse

Wild Porcini are an exceptional source of B-vitamins and plant-based protein. Because our harvest is 100% wild, these mushrooms are exponentially more mineral-dense than any cultivated variety. This risotto is a nutrient-packed comfort meal that supports heart health and provides a steady, long-lasting energy boost.