Barley risotto is a savory dish made from barley to which hot liquid, typically chicken or vegetable stock, is gradually added until the grains become creamy and soft. It is an adaptation of traditional risotto recipes, which usually call for short-grain rice. Generally, the method used to prepare barley risotto is quite similar to that used to make other risottos, although barley tends to require a longer cooking time than rice. As barley is rich in fiber and certain nutrients, barley risotto is commonly considered a health-conscious alternative to traditional risottos. Some also find that the taste and texture of barley versions are superior to those of rice versions.
While barley risotto is often quite similar to other kinds of risotto, it differs in one major respect: the grain component which makes up the bulk of the dish is comprised of barley. This is an adaptation of traditional risotto recipes, which are typically made from an Italian variety of short-grain rice, like Carnaroli or Arborio. Like these rices, barley releases starch when it is slowly cooked in liquid, creating a creamy, indulgent sauce which enrobes each grain.
Generally, the method used to prepare barley risotto is almost identical to that used to make rice-based risottos. First, finely chopped onion is sautéed in butter or oil in a large pan. Then, barley is added to the pan and toasted for several minutes before white wine is poured over it. Once the wine has been fully absorbed, chicken or vegetable stock is added one ladleful at a time, with the cook waiting for all liquid to be absorbed by the barley before adding another ladleful. When the barley has become tender but firm, the pan is removed from the heat and butter and grated cheese are stirred in vigorously.
The primary difference between preparing barley risottos and rice risottos is that barley versions tend to require a longer cooking time. A rice risotto may be prepared in just 30 minutes, while barley grains may need to cook for up to an hour in order to become soft. This extended cooking time deters some cooks from experimenting with barley risottos.
On the other hand, barley is rich in fiber as well as selenium, copper, and manganese. For this reason, barley risotto is commonly considered a health-conscious alternative to rice-based risotto. Some also find the nutty taste and chewy texture of barley risotto make it superior to traditional rice versions.
