Microwave pearl barley risotto recipe

Microwave pearl barley risotto

This nifty risotto is cooked in the microwave which saves on both time and energy. If you don't have a microwave, see our tip at the bottom of the method on how to cook it on the hob.

See method
  • Serves 4
  • 35 mins
  • 393 calories / serving

Ingredients

  • 350g pearl barley
  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 vegetable stock pot, made up to 500ml
  • 3 garlic cloves, 2 crushed, 1 chopped
  • ½ Savoy cabbage, core discarded, shredded
  • 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested

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Each serving contains

Energy
1660kJ 393.0kcal
20%
Fat
2g
low3%
Saturates
1g
low3%
Salt
1.0g
low17%
Sugars
7g
low8%

of the Reference intake

Carbohydrate 75.1gProtein 10.1gFibre 16.4g

Method

  1. Put the barley, tomatoes4, stock and crushed garlic in a large microwaveable bowl. Mix well. Cover with clingfilm or a microwave-safe lid, then microwave on high* for 10 mins, stirring halfway through (being careful of the steam escaping). Leave to rest for 2 mins.
  2. Once rested, stir in the cabbage and 50-100ml more water if all the liquid has been absorbed. Cover again and microwave for 5 mins until the barley is tender, the greens have softened and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Leave to rest for 5 mins, uncovered if there’s some water still in the bowl, or covered if it’s all been absorbed.
  3. Meanwhile, mix the parsley, lemon zest and chopped garlic in a bowl. Season with black pepper, then scatter over the risotto.
  • Tip: Don’t have a microwave? Cook on the hob for 30-40 mins, covered, adding more water as needed until the barley is tender. Stir in the cabbage and cook for another 5-8 mins.
  • Freezing and defrosting guidelines

    In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.

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