Barley Risotto With Sundried Tomatoes And Shiitake Recipes

BARLEY AND SHIITAKE MUSHROOM RISOTTO

Steps:

• For the vegetable stock: Add the vegetable stock, onion, carrots and celery to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then maintain at a simmer while making the risotto.
• For the risotto: Add the olive oil to a large heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium-high heat. When hot add the barley and saute until lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shallots, garlic, Vidalia onions and salt; cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the shallots become translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the shiitakes and thyme leaves and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Next, begin adding the vegetable stock, one ladleful at a time, allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. Stir frequently throughout; this brings out the starch in the barley. When the barley is tender and all of the vegetable stock has been used, remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the butter, Parmesan and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the parsley. Serve immediately.

BAKED BARLEY RISOTTO WITH MUSHROOMS AND CARROTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms start to soften, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in barley, carrot and 4 1/2 cups water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, transfer to the oven and bake until barley is tender and chewy and almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.
• Stir in Parmesan and the butter until slightly thickened and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide among shallow bowls. Sprinkle with chives and more Parmesan, to taste.

CHEESY STOVE-TOP BARLEY AND SWISS CHARD

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet or braiser over medium-high. Add mushrooms and chard stems; season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and golden, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add barley and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 1 minute.
• Stir in tomatoes and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender and creamy, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Stir in chard leaves, Parmigiano, and lemon juice; cover and cook, stirring once, until chard is wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Season, top with Gruyère, cover, and heat until melted, 2 minutes. Serve with basil.

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.

BARLEY RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring broth to a simmer; keep hot., In another small saucepan over medium-high heat, cook and stir the barley for 2-4 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a small bowl. In the same saucepan, saute onion in oil for 2 minutes. Add garlic; saute 1 minute longer or until onion is tender. Stir in barley and wine. Cook and stir until all of the liquid is absorbed. , Add hot broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to absorb between additions. Cook just until barley is almost tender (cooking time is about 45 minutes). Add the parsley and lemon zest; cook and stir until heated through. Serve immediately.

BARLEY 'RISOTTO' WITH TURKEY AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Put half the butter or oil in a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat. When butter is melted or oil is hot, add scallions or onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add barley and cook, stirring, for a minute or so, until glossy; add herb, liquid and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Turn heat down to low, cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until barley is tender (it will not become very soft) and liquid is absorbed. Meanwhile, heat remaining butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook turkey, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, then cook mushrooms until crisp in same pan; remove.
• Check barley's progress: Continue to cook, if necessary, adding a tablespoon or two more liquid if all liquid has been absorbed and barley is not yet tender. Stir in turkey and mushrooms and continue to cook until all is hot and combined, then garnish and serve.