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Barley Risotto with Garlicky Mushrooms
© Fredrika Stjärne

Barley Risotto with Garlicky Mushrooms

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  • ACTIVE: 30 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 15 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 10 to 12
  • •VEGETARIAN

Chef Naomi Pomeroy uses barley to make her hearty version of risotto, packed with sautéed oyster mushrooms. The dish is substantial enough to be a main course for a lunch; to make it vegetarian, substitute good vegetable stock for the beef broth.

  1. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  2. 3 large shallots, minced (1/2 cup)
  3. 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  4. 1 pound oyster mushrooms, thickly sliced
  5. 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme
  6. Salt
  7. Freshly ground pepper
  8. 1 1/2 cups pearled barley (10 ounces)
  9. 2/3 cup dry white wine
  10. 4 cups hot beef broth mixed with 2 cups of hot water
  11. Snipped chives, for garnish
  12. 1/2 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1 ounce), for garnish
  1. In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the shallots and garlic and cook over moderately high heat, stirring constantly, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the barley and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add 1 cup of the hot beef broth mixture to the barley and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until nearly absorbed. Continue adding the hot broth, 1 cup at a time and stirring frequently, until the barley is al dente, about 35 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl. Garnish with chives and the cheese shavings and serve.
Make Ahead

The risotto can be refrigerated overnight. Rewarm before serving.