Barley Risotto with Spinach and Tofu

This is a wonderful dish and surely a hit in our home. I served this dish last night with the zucchini-tomato-eggplant gratin for my family. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables to add to this dish. I suggest adding the vegetables toward the last 5-7 minuutes of cooking to prevent soggy vegetables. We have added peas, carots, celery and many more vegetables. Contrary to the restaurant risotto, this dish is not heavy with dairy products and very high in complex carbohydrates and protein.

Serves 6

Ingredient List
• 3 no-salt-added vegetable bouillon cubes
• 2 cups quick-cooking barley
• 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
• 3 large shallots, chopped (1 cup)
• 2/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
• 12 oz. chopped organic baby spinach (8 cups)
• 2 organic zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
• 1 8-oz. pkg. organic firm tofu, cubed
• 3 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh chives (optional topping)

Directions
1. Place bouillon cubes and 6 cups water in large glass measuring cup, and heat in microwave 5 minutes, or until boiling. Stir to combine.

2. Toast barley in skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes, stirring often. Transfer to bowl.

3. In same skillet, heat 1 Tbs. oil over medium heat. Add shallots, and sauté 4 minutes, stirring often. Return barley to pan and cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in wine, and cook 3 minutes, or until liquid is almost completely absorbed. Add 1/2 cup bouillon and sun-dried tomatoes, Stir in tofu ,and cook 4 minutes, or until liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.

4. Continue adding bouillon 1/2 cup at a time, and stir and cook 5 minutes, allowing barley to absorb most of liquid before adding more.

5. Add spinach a few handfuls at a time, and cook until spinach is wilted. Add in the chopped zucchini or squash.

6. Continue cooking until barley has absorbed the liquid or until barley is tender. Serve!

7. Optional Toppings to Dish: Parmesan cheese and chives.