Primavera barley risotto

Enjoy a delightful Primavera Barley Risotto brimming with fresh zucchini, green beans, and leeks. Savor the wholesome goodness of pearl barley simmered in chicken gravy and water, finished off with a touch of olive oil and butter for a creamy, satisfying dish. Perfect for a hearty and healthy meal!

  • 08 Jul 2025
  • Cook time 50 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Primavera barley risotto

Primavera Barley Risotto is a delightful and healthy twist on the classic Italian risotto. This recipe utilizes pearl barley instead of Arborio rice, offering a nutty flavor and a hearty texture. The dish features a medley of fresh vegetables like zucchini and green beans, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
14g
1 leek
180g
1 cup pearl barley
230g
4 cups chicken gravy
800g
2 cups water
500g
2 zucchini
400g
1/2 cup green beans
120g
1 tbsp butter
16g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Begin by washing and thinly slicing the leek.
- Dice the zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Leek:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced leek to the pan and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened and lightly golden.
3. Cook the Barley:
- Add the pearl barley to the pan with the leek. Stir well to coat the barley in the oil and leek mixture.
- Pour in the chicken gravy and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add the Vegetables:
- While the barley is cooking, prepare the zucchini and green beans.
- After the barley has cooked for 30-35 minutes, add the diced zucchini and green beans to the pan.
- Stir well to combine and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the barley is creamy. If needed, add more water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Finish the Risotto:
- Once the barley and vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat.
- Stir in the butter to add richness and a glossy finish to the risotto.
6. Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Primavera Barley Risotto in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!

Tips:

- Ensure the pearl barley is properly rinsed before cooking to remove any debris and to improve texture.

- Use warm or hot chicken gravy and water when adding to the barley to maintain a consistent cooking temperature and ensure even cooking.

- Cut the vegetables uniformly to ensure they cook evenly and maintain an appealing texture.

- Stir the risotto regularly to prevent it from sticking to the pot and to achieve a creamy consistency.

- Season with salt and pepper to taste, but be cautious with salt if the chicken gravy is already seasoned.

- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken gravy with vegetable broth.

Primavera Barley Risotto is a fulfilling and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of pearl barley and fresh vegetables results in a tasty, nutritious dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're serving it as a main course or as a side, this risotto is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size560 grams
Energy
Calories 380kcal19%
Protein
Protein 10g6%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 70g19%
Fiber 12g31%
Sugar 6g6%
Fat
Fat 13g15%
Saturated 3.72g12%
Cholesterol 18mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 90ug10%
Choline 50mg9%
Vitamin B1 0.25mg21%
Vitamin B2 0.31mg24%
Vitamin B3 4.06mg25%
Vitamin B6 0.51mg30%
Vitamin B9 80ug20%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 27mg30%
Vitamin E 0.86mg6%
Vitamin K 40ug34%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 100mg8%
Copper, Cu 0.42mg46%
Iron, Fe 3.23mg29%
Magnesium, Mg 90mg22%
Phosphorus, P 230mg19%
Potassium, K 650mg19%
Selenium, Se 24ug42%
Sodium, Na 800mg54%
Zinc, Zn 1.83mg17%
Water
Water 470g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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