Savory Wild Mushroom & Barley Risotto
Indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of our Savory Wild Mushroom & Barley Risotto, a heart-healthy dish that combines the unique taste of Portobello mushrooms with tender pearl barley. This delightful pilaf is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wholesome choice for those seeking low-cholesterol options. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a main course or a side dish, this vegetarian-friendly recipe can easily be made with vegetable broth. Enjoy this comforting dish, enriched with the aromatic essence of dill, while knowing you're making a nutritious choice for your heart.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Portobello mushrooms
8 ounces (coarsely chopped)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Pearl barley
1 1/4 cups (uncooked)
Fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups (or substitute with vegetable broth)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dill weed
2 tablespoons (snipped or 2 teaspoons dried)
Instructions
1
In a medium nonstick saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped Portobello mushrooms, onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and their juices are released and the onions are translucent.
3
Stir in the uncooked pearl barley and cook for 1 additional minute to toast the grains slightly.
4
Pour in the fat-free low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version), and add the salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow it to simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6
Remove the risotto from the heat, then stir in the snipped dill weed for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve warm, garnished with additional dill if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wild Mushroom & Barley Risotto?
It is a heart-healthy pilaf that combines the earthy flavors of Portobello mushrooms with tender pearl barley.
What type of mushrooms are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of coarsely chopped Portobello mushrooms.
Is this mushroom risotto vegetarian?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What type of barley should I use?
The recipe specifically uses 1 1/4 cups of uncooked pearl barley.
How long does it take to cook the barley?
After reaching a boil, the barley should simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes until tender.
Is this recipe good for heart health?
Yes, it is described as a heart-healthy, low-cholesterol option.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh dill with 2 teaspoons of dried dill weed.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Use 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms and onions?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the onions become translucent.
Should I toast the barley before adding liquid?
Yes, stir in the uncooked barley and cook for 1 minute to toast the grains slightly before adding broth.
How much broth is needed?
You will need 3 cups of fat-free low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
What seasonings are used in the risotto?
The risotto is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and dill weed.
Do I cook the risotto covered or uncovered?
The saucepan should be covered while the barley simmers on low heat.
When do I add the dill weed?
The dill weed is stirred in at the very end after the risotto is removed from the heat.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The dish should be served warm.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be served as either a main course or a side dish.
Is the barley rinsed before cooking?
The recipe specifies using uncooked pearl barley directly without mentioning a rinsing step.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 small onion, chopped.
Does the recipe use high-sodium broth?
No, it specifically recommends low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
What type of saucepan is best for this?
A medium nonstick saucepan is recommended for heating the oil and cooking the risotto.
How do I know when the barley is finished?
The barley is finished when it is tender and has absorbed all of the liquid.
What is the aromatic herb used in this dish?
Fresh or dried dill weed provides the aromatic essence for this dish.
Is this a whole grain dish?
Yes, pearl barley is a whole grain, making this a nutritious choice.
How do I garnish the risotto?
You can garnish the dish with additional dill if desired.
What is the texture of the mushroom juices?
The mushrooms are sautéed until their juices are released, adding flavor to the base.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of garlic.
Is there any fat in the broth?
The recipe specifies using fat-free broth.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish features a savory, earthy flavor profile with fresh aromatic notes.