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Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Apples

17/11/2023

Barley risotto, or “orzotto,” is a variant of the more well-known risotto but is prepared with pearl barley instead of rice. Here I present a recipe that combines the autumnal flavors of mushrooms with the sweetness of apples, creating a comforting and tasty dish. To begin with, here are the ingredients to prepare barley risotto with mushrooms and apples for about 4 people:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pearl barley
  • 300 g of mushrooms (porcini or champignons)
  • 2 apples (preferably a tart variety)
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 100 ml of white wine
  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • grated Parmesan cheese, to taste (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • A knob of butter (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the mushrooms: if you’re using porcini, gently brush them and, if necessary, use a damp cloth to remove any soil residue. If you’ve chosen champignons, you can quickly rinse them under running water and dry them with paper towels. Slice the mushrooms or cut them into pieces according to your preference.

  2. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Peel the apples and cut them into cubes.

  3. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent.

  4. Add the mushrooms and let them cook for a few minutes until they are soft and have released their liquid.

  5. Pour the barley into the pot and toast it for about a minute with the mushrooms, stirring continuously.

  6. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.

  7. Start adding the hot vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring often and allowing the barley to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue in this manner for about 25-30 minutes or until the barley is cooked but al dente.

  8. Halfway through cooking, add the apple cubes to the orzotto.

  9. When the barley is al dente, you can choose to cream it with a knob of butter and grated Parmesan cheese, if you desire a creamier texture and a more intense flavor.

  10. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

  11. Serve the barley risotto hot, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

Curiosity

The barley risotto is a complete and nutritious dish, typically consumed in the regions of Northern Italy. Barley, in fact, is rich in fibers and provides a greater sense of satiety compared to rice, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a hearty yet healthy meal.

Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Apples