BARLEY AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO
Serves 4.
Note: This makes a great one-pan vegetarian main dish or a hearty side. Look for barley in the rice, beans or bulk aisle of your grocery store.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 c. finely chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 c. pearl barley
• 1/4 c. white wine
• 3 c. vegetable stock, divided
• 2 c. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-in. pieces
• 1/4 c., plus 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 c. toasted , sliced almonds
Directions
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes or until slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the barley and cook for 3 minutes until lightly toasted.
Add white wine and cook, stirring, until the wine has evaporated. Add 21/2 cups of the stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the asparagus, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and remaining broth if needed, simmer, covered, for an additional 5 minutes or until barley and asparagus are tender.
Divide among 4 serving plates and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and almonds.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories325Fat10 gSodium285 mg
Carbohydrates48 gSaturated fat3 gCalcium185 mg
Protein12 gCholesterol7 mgDietary fiber10 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 vegetable, 3 bread/starch, 2 fat.
