Good Value Warming Suppers

When the weather's cold, a big pot of risotto simmering on the stove warms the heart and lifts you spirits. If you are looking for something comforting and a bit different for your supper than this warming good-value dish will go down a treat.

Barley Risotto with Carrots

I love to use barley as a delicious alternative to rice. It's filling, comforting and nutritious. Adding some whole grain barley to the soups, stews and other dishes will improve your health along with the flavour of your dish.  Barley has a great flavour and is a very good source of fibre and selenium, and a good source of phosphorus, copper and manganese.

Will feed a family of four

ingredients:

1.5 litres vegetable stock
1 onion
2-3 carrots, diced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
300g barley
handful fresh chopped parsley (optional)
grated cheddar to serve

method:

1. place the stock in a saucepan and bring to a simmer
2. in a separate large pan combine the vegetable oil, carrots and onions and cook until soft (3-5 mins) Add the barley and cook for 1 min, stirring to coat the grains in oil.  Season lightly, to taste
3. Add two ladles of stock to the barley and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the stock a ladle full at a time and stirring regularly, for about 30-40 mins, or until the barley is tender and most (if not all) of the stock had been absorbed.
4. Season to taste and stir in the parsley if using. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of cheese.