Butternut Squash and Barley Risotto

Submitted by C and Ds Mommy

"Typically, risottos are made of refined rice known as Aborio. By using barley instead, you get tons of heart healthy benefits! Barley is a cholesterol lowering soluble fibre. (recipe found on the heart and stroke foundation of Canada website)"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups low sodium vegetable broth or 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup butternut squash, diced into small pieces
• 1⁄3 cup pearl barley
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese (the shaker kind is fine)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper

directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat to low.
2. Heat oil in a medium sized pot over medium heat.
3. Add onion and sauté until tender.
4. Add squash and sauté for another 3 minutes. Add barley and stir for 2 more minutes.
5. Add 1/2 cup of the boiled broth, and chopped sage. Simmer, stirring often until broth is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
6. Add remaining broth slowly, about 1/3 cup at a time, allowing it to be absorbed each time.
7. Cook barley until tender but still firm, about 35-40 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Reviews

[corrie1]

This was very delicious. I used 1 cup of barley and 5 cups of vegetable broth. I also added chopped carrots in with the onions. I forgot the cheese and it still turned out great.

 

[Dre S]

Yummy change from typical risotto! I played around with the amounts a bit as the amount of barley seemed low and I needed 4 servings. I used 3/4 c. barley and I had a quart of veg broth to which I added maybe 1/3 c. water. I also just dumped the broth in and simmered it. I ended up letting it cook over 50min (not on purpose) and it was still great - the squash mostly pureed and it was just yummy and super creamy.

 

[Lori Mama]

Simply delicious! I did add a clove of garlic, only because we love it. I also just went ahead and used all the broth at once and cooked it the 40 min. as directed. I must have inadvertently used a bit more broth as it came out a bit loose then creamy. Nevertheless it was very tasty. My husband loved it. :)

 

[susan_k09]

We loved this dish. I followed the instructions as written, except I doubled it for more people. It took longer for me to make because of step 6...adding in the broth a little at a time and waiting for it to be absorbed. I got tired of waiting and poured it all in and cooked it for about 40 minutes. It turned out great! Thanks for a keeper!