SLOW-COOKER MUSHROOM BARLEY RISOTTO

Slow-Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 3h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups pearl barley
4 sprigs fresh thyme
8 ounces carrots, finely chopped
3 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth
1 ounce Parmesan, grated (2/3 cup)
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in the barley and thyme and cook, stirring, until the barley is just golden, about 2 minutes.
Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker and add the carrots, broth, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook on high until the liquid is absorbed and the carrots and barley are tender, about 3 hours.
Discard the thyme and stir in the Parmesan, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Thin out the risotto with warm water for desired consistency as needed. Top with parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.