Name: Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup pearl barley; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warm; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, hearty dish that feels both luxurious and wholesome, this Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Blending the nutty chew of pearl barley with the earthy depth of sautéed mushrooms, all wrapped up in a creamy, velvety sauce with parmesan and fragrant herbs, this risotto-style dish brings warmth to every spoonful. Perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress without fuss, this recipe elevates classic risotto into a nourishing, satisfying meal you’ll want again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of multiple clear and white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl holds thinly sliced brown and white mushrooms. Below it, a white bowl contains chopped white onions. To the bottom left is another white bowl filled with small orange carrot cubes. At the center, a clear bowl is full of fresh green spinach leaves. Slightly above that, a clear bowl contains uncooked pearl barley grains. To the right of the spinach, a small clear bowl holds a chunk of white butter. Next to it is another tiny clear bowl with coarse salt and black pepper. Below everything, a white bowl is filled with finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese. In the bottom left, a small clear bowl contains minced garlic. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whipping up this Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe is wonderfully simple thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each play a starring role. From the fresh mushrooms adding that deep, woodsy flavor to the pearl barley lending a unique, chewy texture, every component works in harmony to make the dish shine.

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding a subtle fruity richness and helping develop layers of flavor.
Onion: Provides sweetness and aroma, creating a savory base for the mushrooms to build on.
Mushrooms: Earthy and robust, they bring depth and body that makes this risotto unforgettable.
Pearl barley: The star grain here, offering a nutty chew that sets this risotto apart from the traditional rice version.
Broth: Adds moisture and savory complexity; vegetable or mushroom broth works wonderfully for vegetarian options.
White wine: A splash brightens the dish and adds subtle acidity, balancing the creamy richness.
Parmesan: Melts into the barley, enriching the dish with a salty, umami kick.
Butter: Adds silkiness and rounds out the flavors with a creamy finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring every note together perfectly.

How to Make Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then add your sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and start to turn golden. This step builds a flavorful base, with caramelized onions and meaty mushrooms setting the stage for everything to come.

Step 2: Toast the Pearl Barley

Next, stir in the pearl barley right into the pan with the mushrooms and onions. Toast it gently for a couple of minutes until the barley is coated in oil and slightly fragrant. Toasting enhances the grain’s natural nuttiness, which is crucial for that rich, complex flavor that defines this recipe.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in a good splash of white wine and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those wonderful browned bits. The wine adds brightness and subtle acidity that balances the earthiness of the mushrooms and richness of the barley.

Step 4: Gradually Add Broth and Simmer

Begin adding warm broth a ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the barley to absorb the liquid before adding more. This slow, patient process mimics traditional risotto cooking and ensures the barley cooks evenly to a tender, creamy consistency in about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Butter

When the barley is tender but still has a slight bite, stir in freshly grated parmesan and a knob of butter. This is where the risotto becomes truly luxurious — the cheese melts into the grains while the butter adds silkiness and boosts the comforting feel of the dish. Season liberally with salt and pepper to taste, and it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe

The image shows a silver pan filled with a mixed dish containing three main layers: small yellow and orange corn pieces scattered throughout, small darker brown mushroom-like pieces spread evenly, and light beige grain pieces as the base, all mixed together with small green herbs sprinkled on top. In the background on the left side, there is a silver spoon with some of the dish on it, resting on a dark surface. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe with a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a pop of green and an herbal brightness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few shavings of extra parmesan on top can elevate the presentation and flavor even further, making it look as delicious as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This risotto pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, which contrasts the creamy richness perfectly. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple garlic bread also make excellent accompaniments to round out the meal without overpowering the main flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, consider serving the risotto inside hollowed-out roasted mushrooms or petite squash for an elegant touch. You can also layer it in shallow bowls topped with caramelized shallots or toasted nuts for extra texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Store your Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes just as comforting the next day — sometimes even better as the flavors have melded beautifully overnight.

Freezing

While risotto is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Allow the risotto to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months but expect some change in texture, so be sure to reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to bring back creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat your risotto slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a little broth, water, or even a splash of cream during reheating helps restore that luscious creamy texture and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or porcini for varied texture and flavor. Each brings its own unique earthiness that complements the barley beautifully.

Is pearl barley a good substitute for arborio rice in risotto?

Yes, pearl barley is a wonderful alternative that offers a nuttier taste and chewier texture, making the dish heartier and more rustic while still creamy and comforting.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely. Swap the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, and replace parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy umami flavor. The dish remains deliciously rich and satisfying.

Do I need white wine for this recipe?

While white wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, you can omit it if preferred. Simply replace it with an equal amount of broth, and the risotto will still come out flavorful and creamy.

How long does it take to cook pearl barley in this risotto?

The pearl barley typically takes about 30 to 35 minutes to cook to a creamy tenderness when simmered gradually with broth. It’s a bit longer than traditional risotto rice but well worth the wait for the unique texture it provides.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe enough if you’re craving something both comforting and a little different from the usual. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with layers of flavor and silkiness that will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try soon, and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for cozy dinners!