Description
A creamy and hearty risotto featuring earthy shiitake mushrooms and chewy barley, perfect for cozy winter dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 finely chopped shallot
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Barley: Rinse 1 cup of pearl barley under cold water. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped shallot and 3 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Shiitake Mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until they are golden brown and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toast the Barley: Stir in the rinsed barley, and toast it in the mixture for about 2 minutes.
- Add the Broth Gradually: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until the barley absorbs the liquid.
- Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, and fresh thyme for flavor. Adjust according to your palate.
- Finish with Butter and Cheese: Once the barley is tender and creamy, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or additional thyme, and enjoy!
Notes
Serve as a main dish or a side; pairs well with roasted meats and salads. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: risotto, shiitake mushrooms, barley, winter comfort food