Mixed Grain Summer Risotto

Erica and I at The Dish this weekend!

Have you been there?

I definitely recommend it! Seating is really limited, if not inconspicuous inside of the Rum Runner, so make reservations beforehand. Erica had this really interesting looking soft shell crab with a cornmeal crust and I had a bowl of mussels seasoned with saffron and lemon - so delicious! 

I also hear the Dish has a fantastic special on Tuesday nights - a bowl of mussels and a glass of wine (or beer) for $11.50. Yesss. 

But I don't always eat fancy meals out. Sometimes I make my own food. Like tonight:

This is "mixed grain" risotto, but I used all brown rice. I didn't have any parm on hand, which was OK, but next time, I'll use cheese since there's no garlic or shallot for a stronger flavor.

Mixed Grain Summer Risotto

O Magazine 

Serves 4

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 chopped onion

1 small yellow squash, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 small zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced

½ cup each brown rice, pearl barley and wild rice

¼ cup dry white wine (optional)

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

½ cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish (optional)

¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus some whole leaves for garnish (optional)

1 large tomato, seeded and diced

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3/4 of squash and zucchini, and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add brown rice, barley, and wild rice; toast, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add wine (if using) and cook 1 minute more. Add broth; bring to a boil. Partially cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice and barley are tender and risotto is thick and slightly soupy, about 45 minutes.

Stir in rest of squash and zucchini; cook, uncovered, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, basil, and tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste, and basil garnish (if using).