05 Feb, 2015
Beetroot and Pearl Barley Risotto
This risotto is just as stunning in taste as it is in colour. With a hint of sweetness from the beetroot and a wonderfully creamy texture, this recipe will have your heart melting in seconds.
RecipesEquipment
Baking TrayFood Processor
Frying Pan
Ingredients
2 beetroot, peeled and diced
1 tsp rapeseed oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
60g pearl barley
2 sprigs thyme, leaves
600ml vegetable stock
Juice 1/2 lemon
1 handful chives, finely chopped
1 tsp sunflower seeds, toasted
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
Method
Place the beetroot on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 30 minutes until tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Then place the beetroot in a small food processor and blitz to a coarse paste. Set aside.
Heat a little oil in a pan and add in the shallot and garlic and saute for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Then add the celery, pearl barley and thyme and saute for 2 minutes.
Now gradually add the stock, about 150ml each time; once it has been absorbed, add another 150ml. Repeat this until the pearl barley is cooked. It should take around 25 minutes.
Now add in the beetroot paste, lemon juice and chives; combine and heat through for a few minutes, making sure there is still enough liquid in the dish.
Serve with the toasted sunflower seeds.
