Barley Risotto with Garlic Spinach and Mascarpone
March 2010
Makes: 6 servings
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 40 mins
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper
- 1 1/4cups pearl barley
- 1/2cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2cups chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 5 ouncebag spinach
- 1/2cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, plus shavings for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel, plus thinly sliced peel for sprinkling
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallot, garlic and crushed red pepper; cook until the shallot is softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the barley and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper; bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the grains are tender but chewy, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach, mascarpone, grated parmigiano-reggiano and grated lemon peel; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the thinly sliced lemon peel and shaved parmigiano-reggiano.
Tip
Make It:
- Swap in barley, farro or quinoa for rice when making risotto.