Food Recipes Barley Risotto and Purple Slaw This creamy and luscious risotto dinner is pretty enough to be served in a restaurant, and hearty enough to please vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Whole-grain barley is a healthier take on old-fashioned Arborio rice, and it has a more toothsome bite. Take note of the grain-toasting step, which is a simple way to add deep flavor to simmered grains. The dish is perfectly balanced thanks to a radicchio and parsley slaw—an unusual but delicious topping for risotto. Serve with a dry white wine or a spicy red one to cut through the richness. By Marianne Williams Marianne Williams Marianne has been writing and testing recipes in the test kitchens for Dotdash Meredith since 2016. She studied at the International Culinary Center, in New York, and the International School of Italian Cuisine, in Italy, under highly esteemed chefs and graduated in 2015. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on January 13, 2020 Print Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Caitlin Bensel Hands On Time: 45 mins Total Time: 45 mins Yield: 4 serves Jump to Nutrition Facts Ingredients 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided 8 cups vegetable broth 1 ½ cups pearl barley 1 small yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⅓ cup dry white wine 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup), plus shaved Parmesan for serving 1 ½ cups thinly sliced radicchio (from 1 small head) ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves ⅓ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts Directions Whisk balsamic, 1 tablespoon oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl; set aside. Bring broth and 3½ cups water to a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Keep at a low simmer. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add barley, onion, garlic, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until barley is toasted and onion softens, about 6 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring often, for 30 seconds. Ladle 1 cup broth mixture into skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Ladle in remaining broth mixture, ½ to ¾ cup at a time, stirring often, until liquid is absorbed between additions, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in grated cheese. Add up to ½ cup water to loosen consistency, if needed. Toss radicchio, parsley, and hazelnuts with balsamic mixture. Serve with risotto. Top with shaved cheese. Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 527 Calories 72g Carbs 14g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Calories 527 % Daily Value * Cholesterol 12mg 4% Sodium 1688mg 73% Total Carbohydrate 72g 26% Total Sugars 8g Protein 14g *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.