Saffron And Mushroom Barley Risotto Recipes

SAFFRON-AND-MUSHROOM BARLEY RISOTTO

Steps:

• Cook a chopped onion in olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add 1.5 cups pearled barley and cook, stirring until it's glossy, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add a pinch of saffron, a splash of dry white wine and a handful of dried porcini mushrooms.
• Stir and let the liquid bubble away on medium heat.
• Add 4 cups hot vegetable stock, a cup at a time, stirring after each addition and waiting until the mixture is nearly dry before adding the next.
• Meanwhile, cook a handful of shiitake mushrooms in olive oil until lightly crisped; stir into the barley when it's done and serve garnished with parsley.

MUSHROOM & CHESTNUT PEARL BARLEY RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat, add the onion and fry until softened and golden, around 10 mins. Add the garlic, chestnuts, if using, and the thyme, fry for a minute, then tip in the mushrooms and fry until they begin to soften, around 3 mins.
• Stir in the pearl barley, making sure everything is well combined and cook for 2-3 mins. Tip in the wine and leave to bubble away until it's reduced by half. Add one-third of the stock, stir, then turn the heat down and let the pearl barley absorb the liquid. Continue adding the remaining stock, a bit at a time, adding more once each addition has been absorbed.
• Stir through the rocket, cook for 1 min, then divide between bowls.