Crimson Pearl Barley Risotto with Feta and Rosemary
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of autumn with this delightful Crimson Pearl Barley Risotto. Inspired by a treasured German cookbook, this dish beautifully combines the sweet earthiness of roasted beetroots with the creamy, salty notes of feta cheese. The succulent pearl barley creates a hearty texture that invites warmth and comfort, while the aromatic rosemary infuses each bite with an inviting herbal essence. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this risotto not only pleases the palate but also presents an array of stunning colors on the plate. Each serving is garnished with creamy feta, enhancing the dish’s overall richness, making it a delicious celebration of seasonal ingredients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 (teaspoon)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Fresh Rosemary
1 (sprig (or 1 teaspoon dried))
Beetroots
400 (g, peeled and diced finely)
Pearl Barley
250 (g)
Vegetable Broth
700 (ml)
Cinnamon
1 (pinch)
Ground Red Chili Pepper
1 (pinch)
Oregano
1 (pinch)
Cayenne Pepper
1 (pinch)
Feta Cheese
100 (g, diced finely)
Instructions
1
In a heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and rosemary, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Incorporate the diced beetroots and pearl barley into the pot. Sauté the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
3
Pour in enough vegetable broth to cover the barley and beets slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring that you stir frequently to prevent sticking. Allow it to cook until most of the broth has been absorbed.
4
Once the broth is absorbed, gradually add more broth, 100 ml at a time, stirring until it's absorbed before adding the next batch. Continue this process until the barley is tender, which should take about 12-15 minutes in total.
5
When the barley is cooked to your liking, season with cinnamon, ground red chili pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine, and then remove from heat.
6
Serve the risotto warm, generously garnishing each plate with finely diced feta cheese. Enjoy the blend of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crimson Pearl Barley Risotto with Feta and Rosemary?
It is a vibrant, autumn-inspired dish that combines roasted beetroots, pearl barley, feta cheese, and rosemary for a sweet, earthy, and savory flavor profile.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include pearl barley, beetroots, vegetable broth, onion, feta cheese, and fresh rosemary.
Is this beetroot risotto recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and no meat products.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for the fresh sprig called for in the recipe.
How much beetroot is required for this dish?
The recipe requires 400g of beetroots, which should be peeled and diced finely.
What type of grain is used in this risotto?
This recipe uses 250g of pearl barley instead of traditional Arborio rice.
How much vegetable broth do I need to prepare?
You will need 700ml of vegetable broth to cook the barley and beets.
What is the total cooking time for the pearl barley?
The pearl barley takes approximately 12-15 minutes to reach tenderness during the simmering stage.
What spices are used to season the risotto?
The dish is seasoned with a pinch each of cinnamon, ground red chili pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
How is the feta cheese used in this recipe?
100g of finely diced feta cheese is used as a garnish to add creaminess and saltiness to the final dish.
What is the first step in making this risotto?
The first step is to melt butter in a heavy pot over medium heat and sauté the onion and rosemary until translucent.
How should I add the vegetable broth to the barley?
Broth should be added gradually, 100ml at a time, ensuring each batch is absorbed before adding more.
What texture should I expect from this dish?
The pearl barley provides a succulent, hearty, and slightly chewy texture that is very comforting.
Is it necessary to peel the beetroots?
Yes, for the best texture and color, the beetroots should be peeled before being finely diced.
Why is this dish described as 'crimson'?
The beetroots release their deep red pigment during cooking, staining the pearl barley a vibrant crimson color.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
One onion, chopped, is used to provide the flavor base for the risotto.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil and use a vegan-friendly feta cheese alternative.
What heat level is best for sautéing the vegetables?
Medium heat is recommended to ensure the onion and rosemary sauté without burning.
How often should I stir the risotto?
You should stir frequently to prevent the barley from sticking to the pot and to help release the starches for creaminess.
What seasonal category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as an autumn or seasonal recipe, highlighting earth-toned ingredients.
Does this recipe include any spicy ingredients?
Yes, it includes a pinch of ground red chili pepper and cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
Is pearl barley considered a healthy ingredient?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy; pearl barley is a whole grain that adds fiber and nutrients.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
Only 1 teaspoon of butter is used to sauté the initial aromatics.
Should the risotto be served cold or warm?
The risotto should be served warm to enjoy the full blend of sweet and savory flavors.
When should I add the seasonings?
The cinnamon, chili, oregano, and cayenne should be stirred in once the barley is tender and cooked to your liking.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the spices and garnishes.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, though using chicken broth will mean the dish is no longer vegetarian.
What inspired this recipe?
This dish was inspired by a treasured German cookbook and celebrates seasonal autumn flavors.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Yes, its stunning crimson color and unique flavor profile make it a great choice for special gatherings.
What if the barley is still hard after adding all the broth?
If the barley is not tender, you can add a little more hot water or broth and continue to simmer until it reaches the desired texture.