Squash risotto and pan-fried cod (preview)

A colleague introduced me to Fresh Thyme Market a few years ago, and it's been one of my favorite grocery stores in the Twin Cities ever since. A lot to love with local produce, friendly staffs, and good deals. Also quite close to my gym, which is a big plus.

Earlier this year, I started playing Ironsworn, a tabletop role-playing game where players and/or gamemasters get to write their own stories and quests. If they run into writer's block, the game has "the Oracle" to randomize some key words for inspiration.

So what ties grocery deals and Ironsworn together? I usually have a pretty good idea of what I want to make when I spot something I like on a grocery flyer in combination with what I already have in the fridge. However, if I need extra help for this experimental blog, this chart from Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will be my oracle.


For this week, I'm eyeing the following items from Fresh Thyme ads (your location might have slightly different price)
  • $5.99/lb Icelandic cod or haddock fillet - cod has firmer texture and milder flavor
  • 88c/lb squash (99c/lb organic)
  • 99c/lb grapes
Ads runs to early next week, so I'll also pick these up next Monday/Tuesday.
  • BOGO 50% off bay scallops or seafood mix 
  • $9.99/lb T-bone steak ($16.99/lb prime porterhouse)
  • 2/$7 3lb bag organic potatoes
I'm hoping to use up green onion, parmesan, and kimchi in the fridge, so I'm thinking squash risotto with pan-fried cod, Korean seafood pancake (haemul-jeon), and grilled steak with roasted/mashed potato. For now, I'll start with the risotto. Here's a rough estimate for 2 servings.

Squash risotto
  • 1-2 cup butternut squash
  • 1-2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 onion or 1 shallot
  • 1/2 cup Carnaroli/Arborio rice
  • splash (2-3 tbsp?) of white wine
  • 2-3 cup chicken stock
  • palmful/handful (1/4-1/2 cup?) grated parmesan; Parmigiano-Reggiano if you want some oomph.
  • your favorite green garnish. Chive is probably the classic, but I'll go with green onion.
Pan-seared cod
  • 2 fillets
  • rice flour (or any low-gluten flour) for light dusting
  • 2 tbsp butter
I still have to buy these and cook first, so exact ingredient amount and recipe to follow this weekend!

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