Savory Mushroom Barley Risotto Delight
This Savory Mushroom Barley Risotto Delight is a crowd-pleasing vegetarian main dish that showcases the earthy flavors of baby portabella mushrooms and the delightful nutty texture of pearl barley. Perfect for entertaining, this dish can be easily prepared in a rice cooker, making it a stress-free addition to any buffet or dinner party. With aromatic shallots, vibrant red bell pepper, and a hint of saffron, every bite is a luxurious experience. This recipe is designed to impress and satisfies a hearty appetite while keeping the meal light and nutritious. Ideal for gatherings or a special family dinner, the risotto can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (diced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
shallots
5 (coarsely chopped)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
red bell pepper
1 (diced)
saffron
1 pinch (none)
garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
baby portabella mushrooms
16 ounces (sliced)
pearl barley
1 1/2 cups (rinsed under cold water)
vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 1/2 cups (none)
water
1/2 cup (optional)
white wine
1/2 cup (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (seasoned)
black pepper
to taste (fresh ground)
grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (or more if desired)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by turning on your rice cooker to the steam setting. Add the butter and olive oil to the pot, allowing them to heat up.
2
2. Once the oil is hot, add the coarsely chopped shallots, dried thyme, chili pepper flakes, diced red bell pepper, and saffron. Sauté the mixture for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shallots become lightly browned and fragrant.
3
3. In the last 3 minutes of cooking the shallot mixture, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, stirring to combine until the mushrooms are tender.
4
4. Add the rinsed pearl barley to the mixture and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to ensure the grains are well-coated and seasoned.
5
5. Carefully pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and white wine, then add the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine, and bring it to a gentle simmer, boiling lightly for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
6. Switch your rice cooker to the brown rice cycle. After about 40 minutes, check the risotto to see if additional water is necessary. If needed, add the 1/2 cup of optional water and continue cooking.
7
7. Once the grains are fully cooked, remove the lid and let steam for an additional 15 minutes to evaporate excess moisture, if any.
8
8. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the risotto. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Mushroom Barley Risotto Delight?
It is a vegetarian main dish featuring earthy baby portabella mushrooms and nutty pearl barley, designed to be easily prepared in a rice cooker.
Is this mushroom barley risotto suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is specifically described as a crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish, though it can also be made with chicken broth if preferred.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of sliced baby portabella mushrooms.
Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed to be made in a rice cooker using the steam and brown rice settings.
Which rice cooker setting is used for sautéing the aromatics?
You should use the steam setting to heat the oil and butter and sauté the shallots, peppers, and mushrooms.
Which rice cooker cycle is used for the barley?
The recipe recommends using the brown rice cycle for the main cooking process of the pearl barley.
How long does the pearl barley take to cook?
The cooking process in the rice cooker takes approximately 40 minutes on the brown rice cycle.
Do I need to rinse the pearl barley?
Yes, the instructions specify rinsing 1.5 cups of pearl barley under cold water before use.
What should I do if the risotto is too dry after 40 minutes?
You can add an optional 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking if the grains need more moisture.
How long should the risotto rest after cooking?
After the cooking cycle ends, remove the lid and let it steam for an additional 15 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.
What type of broth is recommended?
You can use either vegetable broth or chicken broth depending on your dietary preference.
Is white wine necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white wine to add depth of flavor, which is added along with the broth.
Can I substitute shallots with something else?
The recipe calls for 5 coarsely chopped shallots, but you could use a mild onion if shallots are unavailable.
What spices and herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried thyme, dried chili pepper flakes, saffron, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is this risotto spicy?
It contains 1 teaspoon of dried chili pepper flakes, but this can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What role does saffron play in the recipe?
A pinch of saffron is added to provide a luxurious aroma and a hint of vibrant color to the risotto.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir in the 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese at the very end until it melts smoothly into the finished risotto.
How much garlic is included in the dish?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves, added in the last 3 minutes of sautéing the shallot mixture.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, while hearty enough for a main, it is also tagged as an excellent side dish.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
No, pearl barley contains gluten, so this recipe is not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What is the preparation for the red bell pepper?
One red bell pepper should be diced and sautéed with the shallots and spices.
How much butter and oil are needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of diced butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the initial sautéing.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is described as stress-free because it utilizes a rice cooker.
Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh ones?
The recipe specifies 16 ounces of fresh sliced baby portabella mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
What is the best way to garnish the risotto?
It is best served warm and garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients used in this Savory Mushroom Barley Risotto.
Can I add meat to this dish?
While designed as a vegetarian dish, it can be enjoyed by meat-lovers and could be customized with protein if desired.
What makes the texture of this risotto unique?
The use of pearl barley instead of rice gives the dish a delightful nutty texture and a hearty bite.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being perfect for entertaining and a luxurious addition to any buffet.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetarian main dish and also falls under comfort food and side dishes.