Mediterranean Pearl Barley Risotto with Chorizo and Prawns
Indulge in this flavorful Mediterranean Pearl Barley Risotto, a delightful twist on traditional risotto that substitutes arborio rice with nutrient-rich pearl barley. Packed with the savory goodness of chorizo and bacon, complemented by succulent prawns and sweet peas, this dish bursts with flavor in every bite. Aromatic saffron and fresh thyme enhance the rich, creamy texture resulting from the slow-cooked barley. Ideal for gatherings, this risotto not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a balanced meal rich in protein and fiber, making it a healthy and delectable choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
pearl barley
225 g (rinsed and drained)
chicken stock cubes
2 (crushed)
butter
50 g (unsalted)
saffron
1 pinch (dried)
onion
1 (diced)
bell pepper
1 (chopped)
chorizo sausage
110 g (chopped)
bacon
110 g (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
thyme
1 teaspoon (fresh, leaves removed)
paprika
1 teaspoon (smoked)
white wine
120 ml (dry)
canned tomatoes
400 g (chopped)
peas
110 g (fresh or frozen)
prawns
225 g (peeled and deveined)
Instructions
1
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and place it in a medium saucepan. Cover with ample water and add the chicken stock cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the barley is tender, ensuring to top up with water as needed during cooking.
2
While the barley is cooking, melt the butter in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once melted, add saffron, diced onion, and chopped pepper, sautéing gently for about 5 minutes until softened.
3
Increase the heat and stir in the chopped chorizo and bacon, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to crisp.
4
Add minced garlic, most of the thyme leaves, paprika, white wine, canned tomatoes (chopped), and peas to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, fold in the prawns, cooking until they turn pink and are heated through.
6
Once the pearl barley has finished cooking, drain it thoroughly and combine it with the vegetable and chorizo mixture in the frying pan. Stir everything together until heated through and well combined. Serve hot, garnished with remaining thyme sprigs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pearl Barley Risotto?
It is a flavorful twist on traditional risotto that uses nutrient-rich pearl barley instead of arborio rice, combined with chorizo, bacon, and prawns.
How much pearl barley is needed for this recipe?
You will need 225 grams of pearl barley.
How should the pearl barley be prepared before cooking?
The pearl barley should be rinsed under cold water and drained.
How long does it take to cook the pearl barley?
The barley needs to simmer for approximately 1.5 hours until it becomes tender.
What type of stock is used for the barley?
The recipe uses two crushed chicken stock cubes added to the simmering water.
What meats are included in this dish?
The risotto includes 110 grams of chopped chorizo sausage and 110 grams of chopped bacon.
When do I add the prawns?
Fold the prawns into the mixture during the last 2 minutes of cooking until they turn pink.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe calls for onion, bell pepper, garlic, and peas.
How much butter is used?
50 grams of unsalted butter is used to sauté the aromatics.
Is saffron used in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of dried saffron is added to the butter to enhance the flavor and color.
What kind of wine should I use?
The recipe specifies 120 ml of dry white wine.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use 110 grams of either fresh or frozen peas.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
Use 400 grams of canned chopped tomatoes.
What spices provide the Mediterranean flavor?
Smoked paprika and fresh thyme leaves provide the primary seasoning.
Should the barley be drained?
Yes, once the barley is tender, it must be drained thoroughly before being combined with the other ingredients.
How do I garnish the Mediterranean Pearl Barley Risotto?
Garnish the finished dish with fresh thyme sprigs.
What is the texture of this risotto?
The slow-cooked barley results in a rich and creamy texture.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, substituting pearl barley for rice makes the dish rich in fiber and nutrients.
What heat should I use to sauté the onion and pepper?
Sauté the onion and pepper over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
How long should the chorizo and bacon cook?
They should be cooked for about 5 minutes until they begin to crisp.
How much paprika is added?
One teaspoon of smoked paprika is used.
Do the prawns need to be prepared?
Yes, use 225 grams of prawns that have been peeled and deveined.
What type of bell pepper is needed?
The recipe requires one chopped bell pepper.
How much thyme is used?
One teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves is added to the pan.
Is this dish suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for gatherings and special occasions.
Should I top up the water while cooking the barley?
Yes, ensure you top up with water as needed during the 1.5-hour simmering process.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Rinse the pearl barley and simmer it in water with chicken stock cubes for 1.5 hours.
How long should the tomato and wine mixture simmer?
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the main benefits of using pearl barley?
It is nutrient-rich, providing a balanced meal high in both protein and fiber.