MUSHROOM & CHESTNUT PEARL BARLEY RISOTTO

Mushroom & chestnut pearl barley risotto image

Cook our comforting pearl barley 'risotto' to get the feeling of indulgence without overloading on calories. Ideal for chilly winter nights

Provided by Elena Silcock

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion , chopped
2 garlic cloves , crushed
180g chestnuts , roughly chopped (optional)
2 thyme sprigs , leaves picked
250g mixed mushrooms , sliced
300g pearl barley
150ml white wine
1l vegetable stock
4 tbsp ricotta cheese
80g rocket
parsley leaves (optional), to serve

Steps:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat, add the onion and fry until softened and golden, around 10 mins. Add the garlic, chestnuts, if using, and the thyme, fry for a minute, then tip in the mushrooms and fry until they begin to soften, around 3 mins.
Stir in the pearl barley, making sure everything is well combined and cook for 2-3 mins. Tip in the wine and leave to bubble away until it's reduced by half. Add one-third of the stock, stir, then turn the heat down and let the pearl barley absorb the liquid. Continue adding the remaining stock, a bit at a time, adding more once each addition has been absorbed.
Stir through the rocket, cook for 1 min, then divide between bowls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 554 calories, Fat 13 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 85 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 10 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 15 grams protein, Sodium 0.8 milligram of sodium