Bowls
Mushroom Barley Risotto
Pearled barley cooks slowly with browned mushrooms and vegetable broth, then finishes with Parmesan and parsley for a chewy, savory grain supper.
Inspired by Rustic barley-based risotto suppers
Prep
15 min
Cook
50 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 12 ingredients
- • 1 tablespoon olive oil
- • 1 tablespoon butter
- • 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- • 1 onion, finely diced
- • 2 garlic cloves, minced
- • 1 cup dry pearled barley, rinsed
- • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, kept warm
- • 1/2 cup water, as needed
- • 1/2 cup finely grated vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese
- • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 1 tablespoon olive oilMissing
- 1 tablespoon butterMissing
- 12 ounces mushrooms, slicedMissing
- 1 onion, finely dicedMissing
- 2 garlic cloves, mincedMissing
- 1 cup dry pearled barley, rinsedMissing
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, kept warmMissing
- 1/2 cup water, as neededMissing
- 1/2 cup finely grated vegetarian Parmesan-style cheeseMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher saltMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperMissing
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsleyMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
Pearled barley is the intended grain; hulled barley takes longer and needs different liquid planning. This method uses larger broth additions than a classic rice risotto, making it less demanding to stir. Choose a cheese made with vegetarian rennet if the vegetarian label matters to you.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate barley promptly in shallow covered containers and use within 3 days. Reheat gently until steaming hot, adding water or broth to restore a loose texture; freeze portions up to two months.
Make-ahead tips
Brown mushrooms and dice the onion a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Cook the barley near serving time because it continues absorbing liquid and is loosest when freshly finished.
What to serve with it
- - Lemon-dressed greens
- - Roasted broccoli
- - A tomato cucumber salad
Equipment needed
- - Wide heavy saucepan
- - Small broth saucepan or jug
- - Wooden spoon and measuring cup
Difficulty explained
The grain simmers mostly unattended at first, with more frequent stirring toward the end to control its creamy consistency without scorching.
Recipe calculator
Nutrition facts
Updating nutrition…
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
Pecorino Romano
Use about three-quarters as much finely grated Pecorino Romano.
Plant-based butter
Use a firm, baking-style plant butter in the same amount.
Olive oil
For savory recipes, use 3 tablespoons olive oil for every 4 tablespoons butter.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Using hulled barley with the pearled-barley timing leaves a firm undercooked grain.
- Skipping mushroom browning gives a watery gray flavor instead of the intended savory depth.
- Letting the finished barley sit dry in a hot pan makes it stiff; keep a little hot water ready for loosening.
Nutrition Context
- Barley supplies carbohydrate and fiber, while mushrooms and a measured cheese portion give the bowl savory depth.
- The estimate includes the butter, olive oil, and cheese across four portions. Barley contains gluten, so this is not a gluten-free grain meal.
FAQ
Is this made with rice?
No. Pearled barley provides a chewier grain texture and takes longer than quick-cooking rice.
Must I stir constantly?
No. Stir occasionally during the covered stage and more often near the end as the liquid reduces.
Why specify vegetarian cheese?
Some Parmesan-style cheeses use animal rennet. Choose a product labeled suitable for vegetarians if needed.
Can I use cold broth?
Warm broth keeps the simmer steady when added. Cold broth slows cooking and makes timing less predictable.
How soft should the barley be?
It should be tender enough to bite comfortably while retaining a noticeable chew, surrounded by a loose creamy sauce.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Lemon-dressed greens; Roasted broccoli; A tomato cucumber salad. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.