Mushroom Barley Risotto with Thyme

Pearl barley makes a hearty risotto-style skillet meal with browned mushrooms, thyme, and Parmesan. Add warm broth a little at a time and stir often. Barley takes longer than arborio rice, and the exact finish time varies by brand, so use the texture as your guide.

Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups pearl barley, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or additional broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Method

1. Warm the broth in a small saucepan and keep it over low heat.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wide, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned. Transfer them to a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Cook the onion for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add the barley and thyme and stir for 1 minute to coat the grains. Pour in the wine or broth and stir until mostly absorbed.
5. Add about 1/2 cup warm broth at a time, stirring often and waiting until most is absorbed before adding more. Continue for 35 to 45 minutes, until the barley is tender with a slight bite. If it is still firm after the broth is used, add hot water in small amounts and continue cooking.
6. Stir in the mushrooms, salt, pepper, Parmesan, and butter. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve warm.

Variations

Fold in 1 cup thawed peas during the final few minutes. Replace thyme with chopped rosemary, using a smaller amount because it has a stronger flavor. For a looser texture, stir in another splash of warm broth just before serving.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring until steaming and creamy again.

For portions that fit a smaller household, see the meal-planning-for-one guide and the pantry reset grocery-list guide. Keep dinner decisions together in the Lucru Home meal planner.