The typical American meal is a meat centerpiece with a couple of vegetable side dishes, one of them usually potatoes. The side vegetable portion is usually about three ounces. There are really only six or seven types of protein (with some subtle variations) to choose from and the standard Midwestern diet relies almost entirely on three or four. There are countless types of vegetables. We've relegated the largest portion of our foodstuffs to an afterthought on our plates

It was pointed out to me that this risotto recipe was missing the rice. That seems unfair. Here is the completed recipe. A hearty dish for a chilly winter evening.