Brown Barley and Spinach Risotto

[pommery]

Made this the other night, thought I'd share. :)

    Brown Barley and Spinach Risotto

1 cup Brown barley

 1 cup stock

2-3 cups liquid (could be water, stock, some leftover white wine mixed with water, etc)

1/3 cup spinach, fresh or thawed

1 medium Onion (sweet/vidalia), sliced

1stalk celery, diced

3 cloves roasted garlic

1-2 Tsp dijion mustard

Scant Dash of rosemary

Dash of oregano

1/3 cup crushed peanuts

¼ cup cream or milk (or dairy substitute)

1-2 tbs apple cider vinegar (to taste)

2 tsp chipotle paste (so very optional)

Rinse the barley under cold water for a few minutes,  to remove any excess starches and place in soup pot or a deep sauce pan. Pour in 1 and  ½  cups of liquid, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium, for now.

While your barley is starting to boil, take your onions, celery, garlic and spinach and sauté them with a little oil (or butter), when your onions are cooked through and just starting to caramelize (turn slightly brown) remove from heat. Cover. 

Time to check your barley. If it looks like 70 percent of the liquid is absorbed it’s time to add more.  Start with a 1/3 cup at a time, stirring. 
You will notice that the barley is very swollen, and will continue to expand as you add more liquid. If it seems like it is sticking to the bottom of the pan, lower your heat to medium-low. Over time the barley will start to slightly lose its shape and the surrounding liquid will thicken.

Take your vegetable mixture and pour it into a food processor, or blender. Add peanuts, mustard, rosemary, oregano and blend until smooth.

Add to barley. Reduce heat to low, add more liquid, stirring frequently.

Add cider.

Continue to stir and add liquid until the barley is well-cooked and the sauce is not to runny.
Remove from heat and add cream to further thicken it (and because it tastes good)
 
Plate in soup bowls with a dollop of salsa on top, and sprinkling of cheese.  Nom.

Feel free to replace the brown barley with pearl (barley), rice, or something I haven’t thought of (let me know though! I’ll want to try it!)

Note: You may need more liquid then stated, or less, it can vary, that's just what worked for me. :)