Vegetable Risotto

This week I’m using up what I have in the pantry and the fridge. The only thing I bought at the store: vegetables and fruit. I try to keep things on hand like stock, spices, oils, canned beans, frozen veggies and various other condiments. So, I figure since I’m getting low on these items it’s time to use them up and then go buy more because my favorite thing to to is grocery shop. I have a terrible addiction to the grocery store! I love it more than clothes shopping, and I LOVE to shop for clothes.

Anyway, I’ve never made risotto before. My husband has always done it (I’ll put his recipe up sometime soon) but last night was night two of using what I had and I gave risotto a shot.

Asparagus Risotto 

Olive oil

2 heaping teaspoons tahini

1 t smoke paprika

1/2 t pepper

1 T oregano

1 T thyme

1 T garlic powder

1/4 C nutritional yeast

1/2 box vegetable stock

1/2 t smoke flavor

1 T apple cider vinegar

3-5 C water

salt, to taste

asparagus

red onion, chopped

1 box risotto of choice

Start out by sauteing the onion in about a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook until tender then add the risotto and toast until golden brown.

Once the risotto is toasted, it’s time to add the stock and all the spices. The salt was added to taste. I probably used about 1 tablespoon. Let the stock boil then cover and simmer for 20 minutes. About 10 minutes in mix the risotto with a cup or two of water. The mixture will have started to stick to the bottom of the pot but once the water is added it’ll loosen up. Cover again and let it finish simmering on low.

After the 20 minutes are up, you’ll need to add more water to get the risotto stuck on the bottom up. The water also starts to become the base for the creaminess. Now add the tahini, nutritional yeast, smoke flavor and vinegar. After mixing, cover once more and keep on low for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Make sure to keep tasting so you know if you need to add any more salt or various spices. You’re also checking the texture to make sure it’s fully cooked. You can add more water at this point to get the creaminess to your liking.