Creamy lemon risotto bowl with barley, spinach, and broccoli
This creamy lemon risotto bowl is packed with nutritious fiber-rich barley, vibrant spinach, and crunchy broccoli – an indulgently nutritious meal with a refreshing citrus twist.
Instructions
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Cook the Barley
- In a pot, cook the barley according to package instructions.
- Cook the Barley
- In a pot, cook the barley according to package instructions.
- Prepare the Risotto
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Add the Arborio rice and stir until it's well coated with oil. Add the wine and stir constantly until most of it has been absorbed.
- Begin adding the vegetable broth a ladle at a time, allowing each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Add Lemon and Vegetables
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, spinach, broccoli, and cooked barley.
- Continue cooking, stirring often, until the spinach wilts and the broccoli is tender.
- Stir in Cheese
- Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish and Serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.
Recipe notes
- Barley: You can substitute the barley with another grain such as farro or quinoa if you prefer.
- Risotto: Remember to stir the risotto often while adding the broth. This releases the rice's starches and gives the risotto its characteristic creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use a high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor. You can also substitute with another similar cheese such as pecorino or Grana Padano.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Ingredients
Scaled from 1 serving
Measurement system
- 1 cup barley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- ½ cup white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 broccoli head, cut into florets
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish