Creamy Mushroom and Rice Skillet

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When it foams, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Resist stirring — let them sizzle and brown for 4 to 5 minutes until they release their liquid and start to caramelize at the edges. Season with salt.

Flip the mushrooms and cook another 3 minutes until deeply golden. Add the diced onion and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and thyme sprigs to the pan. Stir and let cook for 1 minute until fragrant — you should smell that warm, herbal sweetness.

Add the white rice directly to the pan and stir to coat every grain in the buttery mushroom juices. Toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice looks slightly translucent at the edges.

Pour in the 3 cups water and stir everything together. Bring to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Nestle the lid on and let it simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes — you want the rice tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.

Check halfway through: if the pan looks dry before the rice is done, add a splash more water. Esther's rule: better too wet than too dry. You can always cook off extra, but burning is forever.

Remove the thyme sprigs. Stir in the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter, letting it melt into the rice for a silky, luxurious sauce. Let everything bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Squeeze in the lemon juice — this brightens the whole pot, cutting through the richness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. The mushrooms should be tender, the rice creamy, and everything should taste savory-deep and comforting.

Remove from heat and let the skillet sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to settle and thicken just a bit more.

Fold in the chopped parsley, then serve in wide bowls with extra parsley scattered on top and a small pat of butter if you like. A slice of crusty bread alongside would make Esther very happy.