Mushroom Orzotto - a healthy alternative to rice
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons mild olive oil, divided
- I small white onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped red chili, optional
- 1⅓ cups pearl barley, rinsed and drained
- 4¼ cups vegetable stock use vegan stock if required
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sliced white or chestnut mushrooms, or a mixture of both
- fresh basil or a bit of fresh or dried parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a large casserole or saucepan with a lid.
- Gently sauté the onion or shallot until it begins to soften.
- Grate in the garlic, and the chili (if using) and cook for a minute or so.
- Turn up the heat a little and stir in the pearl barley, mixing it well with the oil, onion and garlic.
- Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the stock all at once and add the basil, oregano and some salt and pepper.
- Bring the orzotto to the boil, stirring constantly so it doesn't stick. Then lower the heat to a simmer and pop a lid on the pan.
- You will be cooking the orzotto for about 40 minutes, so give it a stir every 8 to 10 minutes.
- After the orzotto has been cooking for about 30 minutes, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in another saucepan.
- Sauté the mushrooms gently for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms to the orzotto. If all the stock has been absorbed at this point, and the barley is not yet tender, add one or two tablespoons of stock or boiling water. If there is still a lot of water remaining, leave the lid off the pan for a few minutes, stirring the mixture occasionally until it is all taken up.
- Turn the heat to low, pop the lid back on the pan, and cook for another 10 minutes with the mushrooms, stirring once or twice.
- Taste the mushroom orzotto (be careful, it's really hot!) and add a bit more salt and pepper if you like.
- Serve mushroom orzotto garnished with fresh or dried parsley.
Notes
Inspired by Nigella Lawson's Saffron Orzotto recipe.
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