Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
A rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying dish, Mussel And Barley Risotto is a sustainable twist on the classic Italian favorite!
The briny sweetness of mussels pairs beautifully with the nutty chewiness of barley, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and packed with nutrients. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for a more eco-friendly alternative!
Ingredients For Mussel And Barley Risotto
For the Mussels:
1 lb fresh mussels, scrubbed & debearded 
1 cup white wine 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 tablespoon
olive oil 
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 
For the Barley Risotto: 1 cup pearl barley 
4 cups seafood or vegetable broth 
1 small onion, finely chopped 
2 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup white wine 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil for vegan) 
½ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan) 
1 teaspoon lemon zest 
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 
Salt & black pepper to taste 
Cooking Steps For Mussel And Barley Risotto
Step 1: Cook the Mussels
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes.
Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer.
Add mussels, cover, and steam for 5 minutes, until mussels open. Discard any that remain closed.
Remove mussels from shells (reserve some for garnish) and set aside. Strain and reserve the cooking liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Barley Risotto In another pot, heat butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Stir in barley and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in white wine, stirring until absorbed. Gradually add warm broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender (25-30 minutes).
Step 3: Finish the Dish Stir in cooked mussels, reserved mussel broth, lemon zest, Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt & black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve! Serve warm, garnished with reserved mussels and extra parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy the creamy, briny, and perfectly balanced flavors “Mussel And Barley Risotto”
Silky, nutty, and full of umami—Mussel And Barley Risotto is a comforting, sustainable seafood delight!
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