Creamy Sweet Potato and Barley Risotto
This Creamy Sweet Potato and Barley Risotto is a delightful twist on traditional risotto, perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings. Adapted from Judith Finlayson's fabulous slow cooker recipes, this dish combines the nutty flavors of pearl barley with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a creamy and hearty meal without heavy creams or cheeses. Infused with garlic and rosemary, the rich aroma will fill your kitchen, making it the perfect comfort food. It's low in fat yet satisfying enough to please a crowd. Add a sprinkle of cheese if desired for an extra touch of indulgence!
6
Servings
60
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 tablespoon (infused with garlic)
onions
2 - 2 1/2 (finely chopped)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh or jarred)
dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
pearl barley
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
vegetable stock
3 cups (hot)
sweet potatoes
2 (peeled and chopped into small pieces)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the garlic-infused olive oil.
2
Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they are softened and translucent, stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed rosemary, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the uncooked pearl barley to the onion mixture, stirring until everything is well-combined.
5
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
6
Meanwhile, peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces, placing them in a bowl of water until ready to use to prevent browning.
7
Drain the sweet potatoes and place them in a large crockpot.
8
Once the stock mixture is boiling, pour it over the sweet potatoes in the crockpot and stir well to combine.
9
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the barley is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through. If possible, stir the ingredients halfway through cooking to ensure even texture.
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
11g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sweet Potato and Barley Risotto?
This dish is a hearty and creamy slow-cooker meal that uses pearl barley instead of rice and sweet potatoes for natural sweetness, flavored with garlic and rosemary.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan as it contains no dairy or animal products, though you can optionally add cheese at the end.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The risotto should be cooked on the low setting for 8 hours.
What type of barley is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of uncooked pearl barley.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
How much fat is in this risotto?
This is a low-fat dish with only 0.8g of fat per serving.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with garlic-infused olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed dried rosemary.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and chopped into small pieces.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from browning while prepping?
Place the chopped sweet potato pieces in a bowl of water until you are ready to put them in the crockpot.
Do I need to sauté the onions before adding them to the slow cooker?
Yes, the onions should be sautéed in a skillet until softened and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 tablespoon of garlic-infused olive oil.
How much vegetable stock is required?
You will need 3 cups of hot vegetable stock.
Is it necessary to boil the stock before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, you should add the barley and stock to the onion mixture in a skillet, bring it to a boil, and simmer for 2-3 minutes before transferring it to the crockpot.
Should I stir the risotto during the 8-hour cooking process?
If possible, stir the ingredients halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even texture.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 to 2.5 finely chopped onions.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 2g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
What gives this risotto its creamy texture?
The combination of slow-cooked sweet potatoes and pearl barley creates a natural creaminess without the need for heavy cream.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of either fresh minced garlic or jarred minced garlic.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This dish is adapted from the slow cooker recipes of Judith Finlayson.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it is low in fat and made with whole ingredients like barley and sweet potatoes.
Can I add cheese to the final dish?
Yes, you can add a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch of indulgence if desired.
What is the best way to chop the onions?
The onions should be finely chopped to ensure they soften properly and blend into the risotto.
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried crushed rosemary, but you could substitute fresh rosemary if preferred, noting that fresh herbs are generally less potent than dried.
Is this dish suitable for festive gatherings?
Yes, its rich aroma and hearty nature make it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in.
What is the role of the barley in this recipe?
Pearl barley provides a nutty flavor and a satisfying, chewy texture that replaces traditional Arborio rice.
Does the recipe require any specific equipment?
You will need a skillet for the initial sautéing and a large crockpot or slow cooker for the main cooking process.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the barley is tender and the sweet potatoes are completely cooked through.