Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious? Introducing the Fire Roasted Tomato Barley Risotto—a creamy, hearty delight that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! This recipe not only showcases the rich flavors of fire-roasted tomatoes but also celebrates the nutty goodness of pearl barley, making it a perfect choice for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. Read on to discover how to make this culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in pearl barley and stir to coat the grains with oil, toasting them lightly for 2 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Add fire roasted tomatoes and stir to combine, allowing the tomatoes to slightly caramelize with the barley.
- Begin adding vegetable broth one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each cup to be absorbed before adding the next, similar to traditional risotto technique.
- Continue adding broth and stirring for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until barley is tender and has a creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will create additional creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
- Let risotto rest for 3-5 minutes to allow final absorption and settling of flavors.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves before serving hot, creating a vibrant and aromatic finish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot is essential for even heat distribution, which helps prevent the barley from sticking and burning.
- Toast the Barley: Don’t skip the step of toasting the pearl barley in olive oil. This enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Stir Frequently: Just like traditional risotto, frequent stirring helps release the starches from the barley, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Add Broth Gradually: Pour in the vegetable broth one cup at a time and wait for it to be absorbed before adding more. This technique is key to achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
- Finish with Freshness: Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to add a burst of color and aromatic freshness to your risotto.
- Pair It Right: This risotto pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
