Beyond the Box - Dallas Catering and Market

This is a great winter recipe that uses whole grain organic brown rice instead of traditional short grain white rice.  This recipe takes some time.  Plan to cook the risotto for around an hour depending on how high the temperature is.  The Short grain brown rice can be found at Whole Foods.  

For the Risotto

1 oz Olive Oil
1/4 cup Yellow Onions, minced 
2 sliced, Thick Cut Bacon, diced
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 cup Short Grain Organic Brown Rice
1/2 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
1 cup Tomatoes, fresh diced
3.5 cups Unsalted Chicken Stock
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbs Fresh Oregano, chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 Tbs Butter
Fresh Black Pepper to taste 

1. Heat the oil and add the onion, garlic and bacon
2. Sweat until the bacon starts to crisp on the edges
3. Add the rice and toast for 1 minute coating with the rendered bacon fat
4. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir until dry
5. Add the tomatoes, 1 cup of stock and salt
6. Cook over low heat stirring occasionally
7. Continue to cook and add stock a 1/2 cup at a time as it starts to dry
8. When the last 1/2 cup is added, turn off the heat cover and let sit for 10 minutes
9. Stir in the butter, parmesan, pepper and herbs
10. Serve