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Barley and Porcini ‘Risotto”

Orzotto e Porcini

Mary Ann Esposito

You can make an interesting “risotto’ using pearled barley. Add vegetables , herbs, or cooked sausage of your choosing to change the taste.

Ingredients

1/4 cup Filippo Berio extra virgin olive oil
2 cups finely chopped leeks
2/3 pound (11 ounces) pearled barley
1/2 cup diced reconstituted porcini mushrooms ( or 1 cup button mushrooms diced)
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups hot chicken broth
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions

In a two quart heavy duty pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Stir in the leeks and cook them until they wilt. Stir in the barley and cook to coat the barley in the oil; do not let it brown. Stir in the mushrooms and cook 1 minute.

Add the wine and stir to allow most of it to evaporate. Start adding the broth a laddleful at a time and allow the barley to absorb the liquid before adding more. Cook until the barley is tender. Off the heat stir in the butter and cheese. Add the parsely and serve hot.

This recipe is featured on show 2006 – Orzo! The Best!

item recipe is featured in Episode 2006 of Season 20.

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