SUPER-DUPER ONE POT RISOTTO

SUPER-DUPER ONE POT RISOTTO

Ingredients:
(Makes 2-3 entree servings)

1/2 - 2/3 box Trader Joe's Three Grains Blend (rice, barley & spelt)
3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
Splash red wine
1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
10 crimini mushrooms (stems removed), diced
1/4 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, diced
1 zucchini, diced
2 Tbsp. crushed garlic
2 Tbsp. light butter
2 Tbsp. dried parsley
1 shake dried thyme
1 shake dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
Couple shakes black pepper
1/4 cup + several Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
[Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste]
[Optional: few sprigs fresh parsley]

Directions:

1. In large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add mushrooms, bell pepper and onion to pot. Stir frequently for a couple of minutes, covering with lid in between (oil should be hot and sputtering).

3. Add garlic and red wine. Stir and cover a couple more minutes.

4. Add broth and spices, stir, cover and bring to boil.

5. Add Three Grains blend and stir. Reduce heat to medium, cover and continue to stir occasionally for approximately 10 minutes.

6. Add zucchini, stir, cover and continue to stir occasionally, for 8 more minutes or until all broth is absorbed.

7. Remove from heat and stir in butter and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese [and red pepper].

8. Serve and sprinkle each portion with 1-2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese [and add a sprig of fresh parsley].

Notes:

*Great served with a spinach salad (add garbanzo or white kidney beans for protein!) and toasted slices of hearty ciabatta or other yummy bread.

*Kids can help by dicing up mushrooms.

*I used Trader Joe's Reduced Sodium Savory Vegetable Broth, 3 packets in 3 1/2 cups hot water.

*Surprisingly filling and rich! Doesn't taste like it has so little oil and butter. Just ask the hubby. :)