Recipe Weekend: National Rice Month Cheesy Risotto

Did you know that September is National Rice Month?

We didn't either- we just found out and the month is almost over!

Things about rice I didn't know also include:

• Rice has been produced in the United States for more than 300 years! It’s one of the United States’ oldest agribusinesses dating back to 1685.
• Over 24 billion pounds of rice is grown in the U.S. each year by over 10,000 farmers in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Missouri.
• 85 percent of rice consumed in the United States is grown here
• The U.S. is the world’s fourth largest rice exporter
• Rice growing is eco-friendly and has a positive impact on the environment. Rice fields create a wetland habitat for many species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Without rice farming, wetland environments created by flooded rice fields would be vastly reduced

Wow, who knew?

The USA Rice Federation even has a college scholarship in honor of National Rice Month (but hurry it ends on Oct 12th!)!

Lately it seems like we've been eating more rice than pasta, which is unusual for us!

Here's a favorite dish of Mom's, it is a great side dish, quick and easy to prepare, and that is perfect for Fall!


Cheesy Risotto

Ingredients:
3 scallions, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
2/3 cp arborio rice
2 cps water
1/2 tsp bullion granules (we like to use about a third of a Knorr Homestyle Stock packet, Chicken Seasoning flavor instead- more flavor and herbs added in!)
1/2 cp grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmessan Reggianoif your kids like that flavor better) 

Instructions:
1. Saute the scallions in the olive oil in pot for 2 minutes.
2. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add water and bouillon cube. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Cook for 20 minutes.
4. Remove pan from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cheese, cover and let set for a minute. Ready to serve!


Want to make it a meal? Double the recipe and add shredded cooked chicken and cooked peas or snowpeas in when you add the cheese! Or add chicken and brocolli. Perfect with a side salad! 

Check out all the Knorr recipes for risotto, to give you some more ideas too!