Creamy Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Tomatoes
40 minutes
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About Creamy Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Tomatoes
This Creamy Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Tomatoes offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian risotto. Substituting nutritious barley for rice creates a hearty and flavorful dish with a pleasantly nutty texture. Simple yet elegant, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.The recipe expertly combines the earthy notes of mushrooms with the sweetness of tomatoes, all simmered in fragrant garlic and onion. A touch of chili flakes adds a subtle warmth, balanced by fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this healthier, equally delicious alternative to traditional risotto. Its satisfying creaminess and robust flavor will leave you wanting more!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total40 minutes
Ingredients
Barley and Liquid
- 1/2 cup Pearl Barley rinse thoroughly before cooking.
- 1 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth or water, but broth adds more flavor.
Aromatics and Vegetables
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tbsp Herbs chopped (e.g., basil, fresh, oregano), parsley
- 2 tsp Pepper Flakes or to taste, red
- 1 tsp Tabasco Sauce or other hot sauce, to taste
- 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup adds richness and sweetness
- Salt to taste
- Pepper freshly ground, black, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Barley
- Wash the pearl barley thoroughly under cold water and drain.
- In a saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until tender but still slightly firm. Drain any excess liquid.
Prepare the Tomato Puree
- Wash the tomatoes and pierce them with a fork. Microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until the skins begin to peel. Remove the skins and puree the tomatoes with the fresh herbs using a blender or food processor.
Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Combine and Simmer
- Stir in the tomato puree, red pepper flakes, Tabasco sauce, and tomato ketchup. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked barley and stir to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve
- Serve the Creamy Barley Risotto hot. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Barley Risotto
- Don't overcook the barley: Slightly firm barley is best for a risotto texture. Overcooked barley will become mushy.
- Use good quality broth: Vegetable broth adds depth of flavor. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought low-sodium broth works well.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less red pepper flakes and Tabasco sauce according to your preference.
- Garnish creatively: Experiment with different fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 1098kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 9gFat: 101gPolyunsaturated Fat: 30.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 60.6gSodium: 200mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7g
4 Comments
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Thanks for the inspiration! Looks tasty.
This looks perfect! Thanks for posting.
This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
Such a tempting dish! Thank you.