First Recipe!

So I was deciding what to make today for dinner and I was leaning toward some sort of rice dish. So I decided to make a risotto since it would give me a chance to try out some of this black garlic I recently bought. Yes, thats right, black garlic. It's fermented garlic and has a much more tangy, sweet taste. At first it reminded me of balsamic vinegar, just not as sour :P It quite delicate actually. So heres the recipe :)

What you'll need...

-Arborio rice (about 1/2 up for every person, don't worry it'll expand and there will be enough)

-Olive oil 2tbsp

-1 bouillon cube(desired flavour. I recommend mushroom)

-Black garlic 2 cloves

-Shallots 1 medium

-Parsley about a handful

-Saffron 1/2 tsp (not needed because it's difficult to find, but it gives the dish a nice taste)

-tabasco sauce 2-5 drops

-salt and pepper and herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) to taste

-Fresh grated parmesan 2 tblsp

Directions :)

-In a medium pan add 1 tblsp of olive oil and arborio rice. Turn to high heat and stir continuously until rice grains turn light golden brown. About 3-4 minutes. Don't burn them!

-Remove from heat quickly and add 3 1/2 cups of water. Watch out! The water will steam/sizzle since the pan is hot. Stir occasionally. Add the bouillon cube.

-In another pan add remaining tblsp olive oil and put on medium-high heat.

-Chop the shallots and garlic. Garlic is very soft so simply pressing it with the flat side of a fork with break it up. Add to the heated pan and stir until lightly brown. About 2-3 minutes. Move aside.

-While there is still a bit of water in the rice pan add saffron, tabasco, salt and pepper, and italian herbs. Stir lightly.

-Lower heat and let simmer until water is almost fully absorbed, but leave a very, very small amount so the rice looks a tiny bit sticky.

-Remove from heat and add the shallots, garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese and stir well.

-and VOILA! Not so tough huh? :P

This dish would go well with a nice white wine and can be a good appetizer or a delicious side to any entree. I recommend it with a baked chicken with a light mushroom sauce and leafy greens with a balsamic vinaigrette. :)

Enjoy!! :)