Best 8 Toasted Barley And Asparagus Risotto Recipes

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Here's a detailed introduction to the toasted barley and asparagus risotto dish, including information about other recipes included in the article:

**Toasted Barley and Asparagus Risotto: A Culinary Symphony of Flavors**

As the spring season graces us with its bounty of fresh produce, it's time to embark on a culinary journey with a dish that harmonizes earthy flavors with a vibrant touch of green. Introducing toasted barley and asparagus risotto, a delectable symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your senses. This recipe takes a unique spin on the classic Italian risotto, replacing traditional rice with toasted barley for a nutty, chewy texture. Tender asparagus spears add a pop of color and a burst of springtime flavor, while a creamy sauce made with white wine, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs brings it all together.

Accompanying the main recipe are two complementary dishes that round out a satisfying meal. The first is a simple yet elegant asparagus salad, a refreshing side dish that showcases the season's best. Crisp asparagus spears are tossed with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

The second recipe is a delightful barley and mushroom soup, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening. Toasted barley lends a robust texture to the soup, while a medley of mushrooms, sautéed onions, and aromatic herbs create a rich and savory broth. A touch of cream adds a velvety smoothness, making this soup an irresistible comfort food.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventures, these recipes offer a range of options to suit your skill level and preferences. The toasted barley and asparagus risotto is a showstopping main course that will impress your dinner guests, while the asparagus salad and barley and mushroom soup make for delicious and satisfying side dishes or light meals. Get ready to awaken your taste buds and indulge in the vibrant flavors of spring with these delectable recipes.

**Keywords:** toasted barley, asparagus risotto, asparagus salad, barley and mushroom soup, spring recipes, vegetarian recipes, Italian cuisine, culinary journey, flavors of spring

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SLOW-COOKER ASPARAGUS-BARLEY RISOTTO



Slow-Cooker Asparagus-Barley Risotto image

Lighten your cooking load and liven up your Easter spread with our easy slow-cooker risotto. This creamy rice dish is usually made with Arborio rice, but we love it with the toothsome nuttiness (and fiber) of barley. Have your guests add a squeeze of lemon for an extra pop of brightness.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups pearled barley
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 pound (1 bunch) asparagus, rough stalks trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2/3 cup grated Parmesan
Zest of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges, for serving
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh mint

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the barley and thyme, and cook, stirring, until the barley is just golden, about 2 minutes more.
  • Transfer the barley mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker, and add the broth, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover, and cook on high until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender, about 3 hours.
  • Discard the thyme, and stir in the asparagus. Return the lid to the pot, and cook until the asparagus is tender, 30 minutes more. Stir in the Parmesan, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Thin out the risotto to the desired consistency with warm water, as needed. Fold in the parsley and mint, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

BARLEY RISOTTO WITH LIMA BEANS, ASPARAGUS AND SPINACH



Barley Risotto with Lima Beans, Asparagus and Spinach image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek, (white and pale green parts only) finely chopped
1 fennel bulb, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups pearl barley
7 cups vegetable stock
Pinch of saffron threads
10 spears asparagus, trimmed and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces on bias
1 cup fresh or frozen lime beans (frozen, thawed), fresh blanched in boiling salted water, drained
1/2 pound baby spinach, trimmed and cut into chiffonade
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat grill. Using side burner or top of grill. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 leeks and fennel and cook until soft. Add the thyme and barley and cook for 1 minute. Place the broth and saffron in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Begin by adding 2 cups of the stock and stir until the barley has absorbed the stock. Add the remaining leeks and fennel and 4 cups of the broth. Cook until barley is tender and the mixture is creamy, stirring often, about 30 minutes, during the last 10 minutes add the asparagus. If the mixture appears dry, add the remaining 1 cup of stock. Add the lima beans and spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

BARLEY AND ASPARAGUS PILAF



Barley and Asparagus Pilaf image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups quick cooking barley
4 cups vegetable stock
12 spears fresh asparagus, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
3 tablespoons butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons fresh chopped basil leaves

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the oil and saute the onion and garlic until translucent and soft. Add the barley and stir together so the barley gets coated with oil and begins to toast.
  • Reduce the heat and slowly add the vegetable stock a little at a time to the toasted barley. Stir constantly until all the liquid you've added has evaporated, then add more. Continue to do this until all the stock has been used. Reduce the heat to low and add the asparagus. Simmer until the asparagus is cooked, normally around 8 minutes. Cook's Note: Alternatively, you could blanch the asparagus first in boiling water, prior to adding it to the cooked barley. This will save you time if you're in a hurry.
  • Stir in the cream, cheese and butter and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the chopped basil before serving.

BARLEY RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND HAZELNUTS



Barley Risotto with Asparagus and Hazelnuts image

Categories     Citrus     Garlic     Nut     Onion     Vegetable     Vegetarian     Spring     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 pounds medium asparagus, trimmed
5 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 cups pearl barley
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 garlic clove
1 1/4 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest
1 ounce finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1/2 cup) plus additional for serving
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Cut top third of each asparagus stalk diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices, reserving tips and slices together, then coarsely chop remainder. Bring water (5 1/2 cups) and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan, then add chopped asparagus and cook, uncovered, until very tender, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a food processor (not a blender, which would require adding liquid).
  • Add reserved asparagus tips and slices to boiling water and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with slotted spoon to a sieve, reserving cooking liquid in pan, and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well and reserve in another bowl.
  • Measure cooking liquid and, if necessary, add enough water to bring total to 4 cups, then reserve.
  • Cook onion with pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt in oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add barley and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
  • Add wine and boil, stirring, until liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute.
  • Add 4 cups reserved asparagus-cooking liquid and bring to a boil, covered, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until barley is tender (it should be chewy) and mixture is thickened to a stewlike consistency, 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, mince garlic and mash to a paste with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt using side of a large heavy knife, then add to asparagus in food processor along with zest and purée until smooth.
  • When barley is cooked, stir in asparagus purée, asparagus-tip mixture, and enough additional water to thin to desired consistency and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until hot, about 1 minute. Stir in cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Serve with hazelnuts and additional cheese on the side.

BARLEY AND HERB SALAD WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS



Barley and Herb Salad With Roasted Asparagus image

When fat stalks of asparagus come into the markets, what better thing to do with them than roast or grill them? What's more, the California chef and teacher John Ash, demonstrating a recipe at the recent "Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives" conference at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley - an event that bridges health care, nutrition science and cooking - insists that not only does asparagus taste better when it's not cooked in or near water, but also that it doesn't cause that distinctive odor in urine many people experience after eating it. I can't vouch for the latter claim, but asparagus is intensely delicious when you roast it And it's a beautiful addition to this lemony mix of barley and herbs. For the herbs, I like to mix sweet (tarragon, chives) with bitter (parsley, marjoram, thyme). Cooked barley will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen. The dressed grains will be good for 2 to 3 days.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     appetizer, main course, side dish

Time 1h

Yield Serves 4 as a main dish salad, 6 as a side

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup barley
3 cups water
Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste
1 pound thick-stemmed asparagus
2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, marjoram, chives, tarragon and thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, puréed
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges or sliced lemon for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat a 3- quart saucepan over medium-high heat and add barley. Toast in the pan, shaking pan or stirring grains until they begin to smell a little bit like popcorn. Add water and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste (I suggest 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon for 1 cup barley), reduce heat, cover and simmer 45 to 50 minutes, until barley is tender (it will always be chewy). Drain off any liquid remaining in the pot through a strainer (set it over a bowl if you think you might want to use the barley water in a stock or risotto - it'll keep for a day in the refrigerator). Shake strainer and return barley to the pot. Cover pot with a clean dishtowel and return the lid. Allow barley to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, roast asparagus and make dressing. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Snap off woody ends of the asparagus and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Add olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and toss together until all of the asparagus is coated with oil (I do this with my hands). Make sure that asparagus is in one layer on the baking sheet in the pan and place in oven. Roast for about 12 minutes, or until tender and beginning to shrivel. It should be browned in spots. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, salt, lemon zest, garlic, and mustard. Whisk in olive oil.
  • Transfer cooked barley to a large bowl. Add herbs and vinaigrette and toss together until barley is evenly coated with dressing. Arrange on a platter or on plates. Lay stalks of roasted asparagus on over the top, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 449, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 895 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ROASTED ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Roasted Asparagus Risotto image

This recipe's wow factor makes it perfect for special occasions. To save time, the asparagus and prosciutto can be roasting while the rice cooks on the stovetop. They'll be ready to stir into the risotto by the time the rice is done. -Deonna Mazur, Buffalo, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 thin slices prosciutto
2 pounds fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
5-1/2 to 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 shallot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups uncooked arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Place asparagus in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking sheet. Bake, uncovered at 400° until crisp- tender, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes., Meanwhile, place prosciutto in another ungreased baking pan. Bake at 400° until crisp, 10-12 minutes. Crumble prosciutto; set aside prosciutto and asparagus., In a large saucepan, heat broth and keep warm. In a large skillet, saute shallot and garlic in oil until tender. Add rice; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in the wine, pepper and salt. Cook and stir until all the liquid is absorbed., Add heated broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the liquid to absorb between additions. Cook until risotto is creamy and rice is almost tender, 20 minutes., Add the asparagus, prosciutto and cheese; cook and stir until heated through. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 962mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

BAKED BARLEY RISOTTO WITH MUSHROOMS AND CARROTS



Baked Barley Risotto With Mushrooms and Carrots image

Wholesome and nutty, barley is a superb alternative to arborio rice in this risotto, since it's naturally plump and chewy when cooked. The grated Parmesan and butter stirred in at the end release the barley's starches, creating a silky, creamy texture. Make sure to use pearl barley, not hulled, since it cooks much faster and is more tender. As for the mushrooms, white button, cremini and earthy shiitakes are a tasty, accessible mix, though any combination of oyster, king trumpet and maitake would raise the bar. Still, the best thing about this risotto, which is a satisfying vegetarian weeknight dinner (or side to any large roast or fish) is that it's baked, taking away the pressure of constant stirring at the stove.

Provided by Kay Chun

Categories     dinner, grains and rice, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small white or yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 pound mixed mushrooms, such as white button, cremini and shiitakes, halved if small, quartered if large (about 7 cups total)
Kosher salt and black pepper
10 ounces pearl barley (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium carrot, very thinly sliced into rounds (about 1 cup)
2 ounces grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped chives

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms start to soften, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in barley, carrot and 4 1/2 cups water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, transfer to the oven and bake until barley is tender and chewy and almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.
  • Stir in Parmesan and the butter until slightly thickened and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Divide among shallow bowls. Sprinkle with chives and more Parmesan, to taste.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 505, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 65 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 16 grams, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 632 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BARLEY RISOTTO



Barley Risotto image

Low in fat, but high in fiber, this delicious barley risotto puts a twist on the typical dish. With its nutty undertones, barley provides the perfect backdrop for lemon and parsley. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup medium pearl barley
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup white wine or water
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring broth to a simmer; keep hot., In another small saucepan over medium-high heat, cook and stir the barley for 2-4 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a small bowl. In the same saucepan, saute onion in oil for 2 minutes. Add garlic; saute 1 minute longer or until onion is tender. Stir in barley and wine. Cook and stir until all of the liquid is absorbed. , Add hot broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to absorb between additions. Cook just until barley is almost tender (cooking time is about 45 minutes). Add the parsley and lemon zest; cook and stir until heated through. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 742mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Choose the right barley: Use hulled barley for a chewier texture and pearl barley for a softer texture.
  • Toast the barley before cooking: This will give it a nutty flavor and help it to hold its shape.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth is the base of the risotto, so make sure to use a broth that has a lot of flavor. Vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth are all good options.
  • Cook the risotto slowly and stir it often: This will help the rice to absorb the broth and cook evenly.
  • Add the asparagus and peas towards the end of cooking: This will prevent them from overcooking and becoming mushy.
  • Finish the risotto with butter and cheese: This will make it creamy and delicious.

Conclusion:

Toasted barley and asparagus risotto is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is also a relatively easy dish to make, so it is a great option for home cooks of all levels. With its combination of nutty barley, tender asparagus, and creamy sauce, this risotto is sure to please everyone at the table.

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