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Pan of risotto with fresh baby leaf spinach just added in

Creamy Spinach, Mushroom, and Leek Oat "Risotto"

This is a little different twist on a risotto-type dish, made using "oat rice". Rice or buckwheat could easily be substituted if the oats are not readily available where you are, or you can't eat oats.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Light Meals, Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 200-250 g fresh mushrooms (½ lb.) sliced
  • 1 leek sliced
  • OR medium onion chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 3-4 tbsp olive oil divided in half
  • 300 ml havreris (1¼ cup or ½ British pint)
  • OR 250ml/1 cup white rice or buckwheat groats
  • 400 ml broth of your choice (1¾ cup)
  • 100 ml heavy cream (¼ cup)
  • 250 g washed baby leaf spinach (½ lb.)
Seasonings
  • tsp mixed dried herbs of your choice
  • tsp coarsely ground pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • OPTIONAL ½ tsp Vegeta seasoning

Method
 

  1. Fry the mushrooms in half the olive oil over medium-high heat until they start to brown, stirring occasionally.
    If you're using onion, add this at the same time.
    Mushrooms frying
  2. Add the leeks, reduce the heat just a little, and fry until they're beginning to wilt down.
    Leeks added in pan with mushrooms
  3. Remove the mushrooms and leeks from the pan and set aside.
    Add in the rest of the oil, and the grain. Continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until it starts getting toasty. Add in the garlic, and cook for another minute or two.
    Pan with sautéing grains
  4. Pour in the broth and cream, and stir in the seasonings. Bring to a boil.
    After the liquids and seasoning went in the pan
  5. Add the spinach into the top of the pan. It will look like it won't all fit, but it will once it starts wilting down.
    Pan of risotto with fresh baby leaf spinach just added in
  6. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes.
    Let rest off the heat for 10 minutes before removing the lid.
  7. Stir, adjust seasonings, and return to a simmer for a few minutes if it's not done to your satisfaction. Add another splash of cream if needed for the consistency you want.
    Finished pan of risotto
  8. Enjoy! This was excellent served with just a side salad and some lemon/garlic/herb baked chicken breast.
    Baking dish of cooked chicken breast pieces topped with half slices of lemon