Barley Risotto with Asparagus, Basil, and Lemon

User Reviews

4.0

6 reviews
Good
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    385 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Barley Risotto with Asparagus, Basil, and Lemon

This Barley Risotto with Asparagus, Basil, and Lemon is a bright and healthy spring dish- made with 100% whole grains and a special trick that cuts the cooking time of barley in half!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup pearl barley soaked overnight
  • 4 cups chicken stock/broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb. asparagus washed, trimmed, and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
  • zest of one lemon plus wedges for serving
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
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Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the soaked barley; set aside.
  2. Heat chicken broth (4 cups) in a medium pot until hot.
  3. Melt oil (2 tablespoons) and butter (2 tablespoons) in another, large pot over medium heat.
  4. Add onion; sauté until tender (about 5 minutes).
  5. Add garlic to the onion; sauté for one minute, or until fragrant.
  6. Add the barley to the garlic and onion; stir to coat.
  7. Add one cup (or ladleful) of the broth to the barley mixture and stir. Allow the liquid to be absorbed, stirring occasionally. Once the liquid has been absorbed, add another ladleful and repeat the process.
  8. When you add the last ladleful of broth, add the asparagus to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes, until asparagus turns bright green and is crisp-tender.
  9. Once the last liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat and stir in the basil, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese.
  10. Serve hot with extra basil, cheese, and lemon slices.

Notes

  • Soaking the barley overnight will reduce cooking time by half. Just cover 1 cup of barley with water in a bowl or container, and refrigerate overnight or until you are ready to cook (at least 12 hours is desirable).
  • For a vegan version, make sure to use vegetable broth and omit the parmesan cheese.
  • Traditional parmesan cheese may not be suitable for a strict vegetarian diet because it contains animal rennet. Look for a suitable vegetarian substitute, such as a parmesan made with plant rennet.
  • The provided nutrition information does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. Feel free to calculate it yourself using this calculator or by adding the recipe to Yummly.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 385kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 24mg (8%) Sodium 1119mg (47%) Potassium 618mg (18%) Fiber 11g (44%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1288IU (26%) Vitamin C 26mg (29%) Calcium 218mg (22%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 385 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 385kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 1119mg 47%
Potassium 618mg 13%
Fiber 11g 44%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1288IU 26%
Vitamin C 26mg 29%
Calcium 218mg 22%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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6 reviews
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