Best 2 Spring Barley Risotto Recipes

Discover the delightful flavors and textures of spring barley risotto, a dish that embodies the essence of springtime. Made with tender spring barley, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth, this risotto is a celebration of the season's bounty. Whether you are looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a light and bright lunch, spring barley risotto is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its vibrant colors, delightful aroma, and rich flavors, this risotto is a feast for the senses. Its creamy texture and satisfying bite make it a memorable dish that will leave you longing for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPRING BARLEY RISOTTO

Spring Barley Risotto image

A healthier alternative to the more traditional arborio risotto rice, barley adds iron and fiber to this fresh take on risotto. One cup of the green peas found in this dish offers more protein than a large egg.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup pearled barley
2 leeks, white and light-green parts only, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine, or water
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
14 1/2 ounces vegetable broth
1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut on bias into 2-inch pieces
1 box (10 ounces) frozen peas, defrosted
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan
1/4 cup thinly sliced mint leaves, plus small leaves for garnish

Steps:

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add barley and leeks; cook until beginning to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add wine; cook until evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water; bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer until liquid absorbs, about 10 minutes.
Add broth and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender and creamy, about 10 minutes. Add asparagus; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in peas until heated through. Add Parmesan and mint; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with mint leaves.

RISOTTO-STYLE BARLEY WITH SPRING GREENS

Risotto-Style Barley with Spring Greens image

Categories Side Low Fat High Fiber Parmesan Barley Fennel Leek Spinach Lima Bean Spring Healthy Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
1 fennel bulb, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups pearl barley
6 1/2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1 1/2 cups frozen baby lima beans, thawed
1 6-ounce package fresh baby spinach, trimmed, thinly sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Fresh basil sprigs

Steps:

Generously spray heavy large pot with nonstick spray. Place pot over medium-high heat. Add half of leeks and half of fennel to pot. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in thyme, then barley. Add 2 1/2 cups broth and saffron. Simmer until liquid is almost absorbed, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Add remaining leeks, fennel and 4 cups broth. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until barley is tender and mixture is creamy, stirring often, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook lima beans in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender but still bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain.
Add lima beans, spinach, Parmesan cheese and chopped basil to barley and stir to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to 6 shallow bowls. Garnish with basil sprigs and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Spring Barley Risotto

Use a good quality vegetable broth. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the risotto.
Toast the barley before cooking it. This will help to bring out its nutty flavor.
Cook the risotto over medium-low heat and stir it frequently. This will help to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan and burning.
Add the vegetables and herbs gradually. This will help to ensure that they are cooked evenly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter just before serving. This will help to create a creamy and flavorful risotto.

Conclusion

Spring barley risotto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light and flavorful meal. With its fresh vegetables and herbs, this risotto is a great way to enjoy the flavors of spring. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting risotto recipe, give this one a try!