The texture of barley risotto is comparably nuttier than that of regular arborio rice risotto. Similar to rice, barley is starchy and absorbs liquid while releasing starches as it cooks to provide a rich, creamy risotto. On a chilly night, serve a sizable bowl of barley risotto to the entire family. With roots in Syria from 8,000 BCE, barley (Hordeum vulgare) is possibly the earliest cereal crop ever domesticated. Pearled barley is the variety most frequently found in grocery stores.
Similar to white rice, pearled barley is polished, removing the nutritious germ and bran and leaving behind only the carb-rich, delicate endosperm. Farro-like in texture, pearled barley has a hard, chewy consistency.
A variation of the traditional Italian meal known as barley risotto uses barley in place of arborio rice. Risotto is a delicious, starchy, creamy, and slow-cooked main dish or side dish. As the rice simmers and releases its starches to form a thick substance like rice pudding, gradually add stock or water and dry white wine. For a cheesy, nutty flavour, add Parmesan cheese toward the end of cooking.
Here’s how you can make this dish at home:
Ingredients:
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• Freshly ground pepper
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms
• 1 minced shallot
• 1 cup pearl barley
• Salt
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves
For Garnish:
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme leaves
Method:
• Keep the chicken broth warm by heating it in a saucepan.
• 2 tablespoons of the butter should be heated over medium heat in a big, deep skillet. Stirring often, add the shallots and garlic and cook until they begin to soften. Add the thyme leaves and mushrooms after seasoning with salt and pepper.
• For about 5 to 6 minutes, turning frequently, cook mushrooms until they are soft and faintly brown. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with the barley.
• Cook for about a minute while stirring. Cook for 3–4 minutes after adding the wine until the wine is completely absorbed.
• Stir in one ladle of the heated chicken broth after adding it. Cook, sometimes stirring, over medium heat until almost all of the broth has been absorbed.
• The mixture should simmer continuously, but you don't want to boil it too quickly. The heat is adjusted to that level.
• Continue to add one ladle of broth at a time and let it cook until the liquid is completely absorbed before adding more. Add all of the broth and continue to cook.
• Examine the barley. It should be al dente. Add another ladle of hot water (or broth, if you have extra available) if necessary, and cook for a few additional minutes.
• After the barley has finished cooking, add the Parmesan cheese and mix.
• To taste, add salt and freshly ground pepper to the meal.
• Add more grated Parmesan to the serving dish and top with fresh thyme leaves or sprigs for decoration.
