Barley Risotto with Roasted Squash and Leeks Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 gram pearl barley

  • 1 butter squash (peeled, seeded and cut into chunks)

  • 10ml fresh thyme (chopped)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 4 leeks, cut into fairly thick diagonal slices

  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped

  • 175 gram brown cap mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 carrots, coarsely grated

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

  • 50 gram grano padano cheese, grated

  • 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds, toasted

  • 4 tbsp olive oil

  • 120ml vegetable stock

  • salt and black pepper to taste

 

Method

  • Rinse the barley, then cook it in simmering water for 35-45 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.  Preheat the oven to 200˚C.

  • Roast the squash with half of the thyme. Season with pepper and toss with half the oil and roast for 30-35 minutes until the squash is tender and brown on both sides.

  • Heat half the butter with the remaining olive oil in a large pan. Cook the leeks and garlic gently for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and remaining thyme, then cook until the liquid from the mushroom evaporates and they begin to fry.

  • Stir in the carrots and cook for 2 minutes, then add the barley and most of the vegetable stock. Season well and part-cover the pan. Cook for a further 5 minutes. Pour in the remaining stock if the mixture seems dry.

  • Stir in the parsley, the remaining butter and half the cheese. then stir in the squash. Add seasoning to taste and serve immediately, sprinkled with the toasted pumpkin seeds and the remaining cheese. Serves 4.

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