Risotto is very basic and very cheap. You can add spinach or peas instead of mushrooms to keep the price down or for variety. You need some oil, some broth and an onion besides the rice and you can add anything you have around, if you want. It takes time and you can ruin it if you aren’t careful, but it is not expensive in terms of ingredients. I was taught a Northern Italian version with leftover chicken and lots of basil and it will feed a small army and feed them well for little money.
Pumpkin soup is also very basic and pumpkin is cheap, especially fresh, in season. Again, all you need is some oil and an onion, some seasoning and some broth. Some cream is nice, but non-essential. A food processor helps, but you could do it in batches in a blender or even whip the cooked vegetable with a hand mixer. You could use squash, instead. Butternut squash makes a wonderful soup.
These are popular recipes, but they are simple and inexpensive. They take a bit more time than steamed rice or a steamed vegetable. I do not understand why they are considered elitist.
Wake up. Do you think an addict, alcoholic or those that are homeless are thinking of the subleties of risotto?
Take a long walk on your deck, look at the sky and give thanks for what you have.
It also makes a great risotto.
The impression, though, is that Steve uses fresh shitake, portobellos, or morels, rather than the common supermarket commerical button mushroom.
I think they are considered elitist because they are ‘supposed’ to be better for you, the elites remind you that they are, AND they taste gross. Like unsalted peanut butter and whole wheat brownies.
I think you are seeing a re-action to people being told (by those who profess to know more) what is good for them, what they should eat, what they should NOT eat, what they should feel GUILTY for eating, what kinds of light bulbs they should use, etc. etc. ad nauseum.
I personally believe that God gave us things like wine, coffee, and chocolate (and probably donuts) to help us get through life down here, because it is NOT Heaven.