When you’re craving the creamy, comforting magic of a risotto but want to try something a little different, this Creamy Barley-sotto is your answer. With its hearty texture and earthy flavors from shiitake mushrooms and asparagus, this dish is a delicious surprise. It’s the perfect, elegant meal to make for a cozy night in, proving that sometimes, the best things are a little unexpected.
705mlwater or vegetable brothor a combination of both
90guncooked pearl barleyrinsed
15mlextra-virgin olive oil
1clovegarlicgrated
10gchopped shallot
455ggreen asparaguscut diagonally into 2.5-cm (1-inch) pieces
15mlfresh lemon juice
6dried shiitake mushroomssoaked in warm water for 30 minutes, excess water squeezed out, thinly sliced
28gdrained and thinly sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
½tspgrated nutmeg
½tspblack pepperto taste
½tspfine sea saltto taste
½tspdried thyme
60mlsoy creamer or unsweetened nondairy milk
Black truffle oil or extra-virgin olive oilfor drizzling
Instructies
Cook the barley:
Bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
Add the barley, cover, and cook for 40 minutes, or until tender.
Drain and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics and vegetables:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and shallot, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring.
Stir in the asparagus and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the lemon juice and cook for another 5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
Combine the ingredients:
Stir in the cooked barley, shiitake mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Add the nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and thyme, stirring to combine.
Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the finishing touches:
Pour in the soy creamer and cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Serve: Serve hot, drizzling black truffle oil or extra-virgin olive oil over the top.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. For an even richer flavor, top with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan.Wine Advice:The earthy flavors of this dish, with its mushrooms and subtle truffle oil, call for a crisp, aromatic wine that won't overpower the delicate ingredients. A light and refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect choice, with bright acidity that will cut through the creamy sauce beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, try a dry Chardonnay from France for a pairing that’s just a little bit richer.