Shrimp, pea and barley risotto

Enjoy a delightful Shrimp, Pea, and Barley Risotto with Lemon-Minted Feta, featuring tender shrimp, creamy pearl barley, aromatic chicken gravy, and a perfect hint of lemon zest and spearmint. This savory dish is finished with feta and parmesan for the ultimate comforting meal.

  • 14 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 70 min
  • Prep time 25 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 13 Ingredients

Shrimp, pea and barley risotto

This delightful Shrimp, Pea, and Barley Risotto with Lemon Minted Feta is a delicious twist on the traditional Italian dish. The combination of tender shrimp, fresh peas, and hearty barley creates a flavorful and satisfying meal, while the lemon-minted feta adds a bright and refreshing finish. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 onion
160g
2 garlic cloves
6g
2 cups pearl barley
460g
1/2 cup white wine
120g
3 cups chicken gravy
600g
1/2 cup feta cheese
120g
2 tbsp parsley
30g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g
1 tsp chili powder
5g
32 oz shrimps
910g
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
40g
1 cup peas
120g

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Keep the chicken gravy warm in a pot.
- Zest the lemons and chop the spearmint.
- Peel and devein the shrimps if not done already.
2. Cooking the Barley:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the pearl barley and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb some of the oil and flavors.
3. Adding the Wine and Chicken Gravy:
- Pour in the white wine, stirring continuously until it has mostly evaporated.
- Begin adding the warm chicken gravy, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
- Allow the barley to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. This process should take about 40-45 minutes until the barley is tender but still has a slight bite.
4. Preparing the Shrimp:
- While the barley is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimps with a little salt and chili powder, then cook them in the pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Finishing the Risotto:
- Once the barley is almost done, stir in the peas and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in the cooked shrimp, grated parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serving:
- In a small bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese, chopped spearmint, and lemon zest.
- Spoon the barley risotto onto serving plates and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of the lemon minted feta mixture.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your shrimp, pea, and barley risotto with the refreshing lemon minted feta topping.

Tips:

- Make sure to stir the barley frequently while cooking to achieve a creamy risotto texture.

- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest for the best citrus flavor.

- Prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

- Cook the shrimp until they are just opaque to avoid overcooking and ensuring they remain tender.

- For an extra kick, adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred spice level.

- Use a high-quality feta cheese for the topping to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- Garnish with additional fresh spearmint or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

This Shrimp, Pea, and Barley Risotto with Lemon Minted Feta is a fantastic dish that combines fresh and vibrant flavors. With its creamy texture and zesty topping, it's a wonderful choice for both casual and special occasions. Enjoy the satisfying blend of tastes and textures in every bite, and don't hesitate to share this delightful recipe with your loved ones.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size440 grams
Energy
Calories 550kcal27%
Protein
Protein 36g23%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 77g21%
Fiber 14g36%
Sugar 3.60g4%
Fat
Fat 16g18%
Saturated 5g18%
Cholesterol 220mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 160ug17%
Choline 170mg30%
Vitamin B1 0.31mg25%
Vitamin B2 0.39mg30%
Vitamin B3 7mg45%
Vitamin B6 0.65mg38%
Vitamin B9 70ug18%
Vitamin B12 2.09ug87%
Vitamin C 4.27mg5%
Vitamin E 2.51mg17%
Vitamin K 9ug8%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 280mg22%
Copper, Cu 0.67mg74%
Iron, Fe 3.07mg28%
Magnesium, Mg 110mg27%
Phosphorus, P 700mg56%
Potassium, K 580mg17%
Selenium, Se 80ug145%
Sodium, Na 950mg63%
Zinc, Zn 4.28mg39%
Water
Water 290g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Rosemary & garlic roast chicken

Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, this roast chicken recipe will become a beloved household favorite.

12 May 2025

Baked eggplant parmesan

Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor and easy to make.

14 May 2025

Spaghetti bolognese

Enjoy the comforting blend of tomatoes, oregano, and a hint of nutmeg over perfectly cooked pasta—a family favorite guaranteed to delight.

28 Mar 2025

Mustard-crusted pork chops

Ready in no time, they’re an easy yet impressive dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

06 Mar 2025

Barbecue glazed meatloaf

An easy, delicious meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

02 Apr 2025

Juicy lemon and garlic chicken

Simple, delicious, and sure to impress.

18 Apr 2025

Chicken and vegetable stir-fry

Ready in just minutes for a nutritious meal the whole family will love.

05 May 2025

Lamb and fetta rissoles with tomato chutney

Easy to make and bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.

07 Jun 2025

Posts