BARLEY RISOTTO WITH SCALLOPS AND RED PEPPER SAUCE

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Barley Risotto with Scallops and Red Pepper Sauce image

Creamy barley risotto is topped with seared scallops and a roasted red pepper-and-mascarpone sauce.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 red bell pepper
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup pearl barley
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, plus more, for serving
12 large sea scallops, foot removed, if attached
1 teaspoon ground fennel seed

Steps:

  • Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler.
  • Halve the bell pepper lengthwise and remove the seeds and stem. Place the pepper cut-side down on a baking sheet and broil until the skin is blackened in places, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel and discard the charred skin. Put the roasted pepper, 1 tablespoon of the mascarpone, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. Reserve the pepper sauce.
  • Toast the barley in a heavy dry 4-quart pot over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the barley is fragrant and golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Bring the broth and 2 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in medium pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until pale golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the barley and stir to coat in oil. Add the wine and simmer briskly, stirring, until absorbed, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of the hot broth and briskly simmer, stirring, until absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each addition has been absorbed before adding the next, until the barley looks creamy and is just tender but still toothsome, about 35 minutes (you may have a little broth left over).
  • Stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano and remaining 3 tablespoons mascarpone; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the chives and thin with some of the remaining broth if desired. Keep warm.
  • Pat the scallops dry, sprinkle with the fennel seed and season with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add the scallops and cook until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until firm to the touch, about 2 minutes more.
  • Spoon the risotto into 4 bowls. Top evenly with the scallops and drizzle with some pepper sauce. Sprinkle each bowl with chopped fresh chives.
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