Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Italian-inspired Orzotto recipe. A delightful twist on traditional risotto, this dish features pearl barley cooked to tender perfection in a flavorful broth, enriched with Parmesan cheese and optional cream for a luxurious touch. Customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables and savor a bowl of hearty goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup pearl barley
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (warmed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach or seasonal vegetables (like peas, mushrooms, or asparagus)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Toast Barley: Stir in the pearl barley and toast for 1–2 minutes to coat in oil and butter.
- Deglaze: Pour in white wine (if using) and cook until mostly absorbed.
- Cook Barley: Add warm broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently until absorbed, for about 30–35 minutes until tender.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach or seasonal vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Finish: Once creamy, stir in Parmesan cheese and cream if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- You can customize this dish with any seasonal vegetables or swap Parmesan for a different cheese like goat cheese or Pecorino.
- Omit the cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
