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You are here: Home / Recipes / Recipes by Main Ingredient / Easy Rice Recipes / Recipe: Quick Cook Orzotto or Pearl Barley Risotto – Delicious & Frugal

Recipe: Quick Cook Orzotto or Pearl Barley Risotto – Delicious & Frugal

Published on July 16, 2012 by Helen Best-Shaw 4 Comments
Last Updated on October 16, 2018

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Frugal Pearl Barley Risotto or OrzottoCurrently my idea of a successful homemade meal is one which uses up one or more of the myriad of jars, packets or pots of ingredients which I have stashed away.   I just have too much stuff, including a massive range of ingredients which in all honesty is too much food for two people to ever get through.

My ingredient stash is packed with grains, lentils and beans – they are amongst my favourite ingredients, not only are they delicious, but also cheap and perfect for bulking out more expensive foods.

Orzotto is an Italian dish, a risotto made with pearl barley rather than rice.   It is both delicious and frugal; currently pearl barley is about 49p for 500g making it one of the cheapest ingredients out there.  However, it can take an age to cook,  so if you want to use it in a speedy supper it needs a little bit of planning and pre-soaking – in the morning put the barley into a bowl, pour boiling water over it and leave all day.  A useful tip is to freeze the pre-soaked barley to use another day.

I usually make my own stock for risotto, simply cover two chicken carcasses with water, throw in a carrot and stick of celery and simmer in the slow cooker over night. Freeze in “cubes” in a silicone mini muffin tray then pack into a plastic box.

This was delicious, variations are endless depending what is in the fridge. Vegetables, leftovers, scraps of cheese.  We finished the jar of pearl barley – the space created will soon be filled with a replacement bag.

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Frugal Pearl Barley Risotto or Orzotto
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5 from 2 votes

Pearl Barley Risotto

Pearl Barley Risotto
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Helen Best-Shaw
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
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Ingredients

  • 200 g / 7oz / 1 cup pearl barley
  • Glug olive oil
  • 1/2 onion – finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic – sliced
  • 250 ml / 1/2 pint / 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • Glug white wine
  • Handful or peas and corn

Instructions

  • Place the pearl barley in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to soak for at least 3 hours, then strain.
  • Fry the onion and garlic in the oil for a few minutes until soft, add the barley and fry for a few minutes.
  • Gradually add the stock and wine, and simmer gently for about 15 minutes until it is absorbed and the barley is soft.
  • Add the peas and corn, and cook for another minute.
  • Serve immediately.
• Please note that the nutrition information provided below is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
• Unless stated otherwise cup conversions have been made with an online tool. For accuracy please check with your favoured conversion tool. We recommend buying inexpensive digital kitchen scales.
Nutrition Facts
Pearl Barley Risotto
Amount Per Serving (2 servings)
Calories 412 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Cholesterol 3mg1%
Sodium 189mg8%
Potassium 451mg13%
Carbohydrates 85g28%
Fiber 16g67%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 41mg4%
Iron 2.8mg16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Light Meal
Cuisine: Fusion, Italian
Keyword: orzotto, Quick Cook Orzotto
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I am sending this to my event Frugal Food Fridays, hosted this month by Jen at Blue Kitchen Bakes.

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Filed Under: Easy Rice Recipes, Italian, Main Meal, Quick & Easy, Recipes, £ Ingredients: Alcohol, Corn, Garlic, Oil, Onion, Pearl Barley, Peas, Stock

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    Recipe Rating




  1. sarahemmm

    5 stars
    Came across this when researching orzotto – this is a nice, easy recipe and delicious on a cold day. I used mushroom and spinach instead of peas and corn, and added some parmesan at the end.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting Sarah! We love it. Frugal too!

      Reply
  2. peter tampsett

    5 stars
    Pukka recipe, adding a little bacon to mine

    Reply
    • Helen

      That would be delicious!

      Reply

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