A tasty and zesty main course starring the lightest of cereals
In Italy we call farro what is most probably known to you as barley, a nutty chewy whole grain very popular in northern Italy and mostly cooked into risotto-style primo (aka first course). Have you ever heard of Barlotto? The combo Barley/risotto translates into a constant stirring and the gradual addition of hot stock to the barley as it cooks. Just like a risotto.
I love the combination of grains and greens and I wanted to take advantage of being home alone to cook something light, wholesome and easy to make. The very first Broccoli and Lemongrass Barley Risotto you can find on the Web was born.
In southern Italian cuisine, as far as I know, barley is not popular. Don’t ask me why, all I know is that, just like polenta, farro belongs to the cold north. It must be because down there we’re too busy with pizza, pasta and ragu.
Whatever. Farro should be more popular everywhere in the world because, hold on tight, it’s high in protein and low in calorie. Farro has less calories than other cereals. It’s officially love ♥.
Of course, after reading about its nutritional content, I was craving a barlotto with greens on top. I added lemongrass for zesty tones, stir fried broccoli for crunchiness and thick Greek yogurt for creaminess and sharpness. But I wasn’t satisfied yet. What I also desperately wanted was to make this dish “good-looking”. How to make a barlotto looking as desirable as a pizza? You see I had higher expectation for this recipe. Making a dish look appetizing is almost as important as making it tasty. Also, you wouldn’t need to tell how good it is for you, the protein/nutrition story, you know…
To the point now. The secret, the beauty solution for this tasty dish is: a pinch of turmeric. Have I disappointed you? Turmeric notoriously acts on food as a sun tanning lamp does to the skin. Doesn’t this look as good as a pizza? …. uhm… I can almost visualize your face now. But hey! I’m not ready for miracles yet. I’m just getting somewhere where both pizza and barlotto coexist.
Broccoli and Lemongrass Barley Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 12oz broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups pearl barley
- 3 or 4 cups vegetable stock depending on how much liquid barley absorbs
- 1 T olive oil
- 1/3 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 Tablespoon chili flakes
- 4 Tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon lemongrass finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large pan heat olive oil, stir in barley and chopped lemongrass. Add ladleful at a time of stock to barley and stir constantly. When the broth is absorbed add more and repeat for 30 minutes or until barley is tender.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in another sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir fry 5 minutes.
- Add cooked broccoli to barley risotto with last stock ladle. Stir in parmesan, chili flakes, season with salt and pepper.
- Keep stirring and let it dry for a couple of minutes or until the desired consistency is reached. Remove from heat and incorporate the yogurt. Stir well. Serve with parmesan on top.
The recipe doesn’t say when you add the turmeric! ^_^ Thank you! I am making this now!
That is my kind of meal…I love cooking with grains and I love whole grain recipes. A risotto had been at the back of my mind and I love your lemongrass version. It looks very comforting and delish.
I have some broccoli in my fridge that I have to use up, so this is totally happening!
I love farro – I had a mushroom farro ‘stuffing’ for Thanksgiving last year and it was so tasty! I’ve never heard of ‘Barlotto’, but I really love learning about your culture and the food terms you used in Italy! Grains & Greens are delicious together – what a genius ingredient – lemongrass?! I need to try lemongrass in my vegan risotto next time!
Your recipe is not only packed with amazing flavours but also super healthy ingredients. Looks amazing!
Mmm… i love farro! and this risotto is divine 🙂
I love this! –>> Turmeric notoriously acts on food as a sun tanning lamp does to the skin. I love turmeric – and I love barley (or farro!) so I can imagine this is really, really good!
I love broccoli dishes so I am all over this! Super yum!
Broccoli is such a versatile vegetable! Glad you liked this recipe.
Such a creative dish! Love the use of barley. Risotto is my favorite Italian dish. This looks superb!!
Thank you Asmita, you’re sweet 🙂
What a wonderful dish! that broccoli is calling my name!
Very original, extremely healthy and wonderfully tasty!
Cheers,
Rosa
Here in Singapore we have Ice barley drink which a favorite:-) the risotto with barley sounds interesting… its lovely!
Wow, I have to try the ice barley drink!