Shrimp And Zucchini Barley Risotto Recipes

SHRIMP AND BARLEY RISOTTO

Steps:

• Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped fennel, garlic, rosemary and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fennel is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the barley until combined.
• Add the chicken broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, then cover, reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the barley is tender but still a bit saucy, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Uncover and stir in the shrimp and peas. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted. Stir in the parmesan and 2 tablespoons fennel fronds; season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and top with the remaining fennel fronds.

SHRIMP AND ZUCCHINI RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook for about 15 minutes. (I do not cook the zucchini with the risotto, as it would get too soft; by sauteing it on a higher flame I'm able to achieve a different texture, and I like it much better when added to the rice.) Remove the zucchini to a plate and reserve. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a second large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the shallots and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, to toast it. Stir in 1 cup wine, reduce the heat to a medium-low simmer and let the alcohol evaporate for about 3 minutes. Stir the rice constantly; do not get distracted and let it become dry. As the liquid gets absorbed, begin adding the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time.
• Meanwhile, as your risotto is cooking and while you are stirring, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet. When the butter is melted, add the shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add about three-quarters of the parsley and remaining 1/4 cup wine. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, and when the shrimp turn bright pink remove from the heat and set aside. Do not discard the juice.
• Once the risotto has cooked for 20 to 25 minutes, and as your vegetable broth is almost finished, start tasting the rice and feel its consistency. If it needs more time on the stove, you can ladle in some warm water to keep it going a few minutes more. Stir in a couple tablespoons of cheese, if using. (Italians do not like to see cheese and fish together, so I use Parmesan almost as a seasoning while I cook the rice.)
• If you've done everything right, this is the moment to stir in the already browned zucchini and the cooked shrimp; the sauce from the shrimp will help the risotto gain the final 5 minutes of cooking time without the need of any additional water.
• Ladle the risotto into serving bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and drizzle with olive oil.
• Wine suggestion for this recipe: Pinot Grigio

SHRIMP AND ZUCCHINI BARLEY RISOTTO

Steps:

• Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan; keep warm.
• Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and onion; sauté 5 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
• Add barley; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir in 1 cup broth; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring frequently.
• Stir in 1/2 cup broth and salt.
• Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes).
• Add shrimp; cook 4 minutes.
• Stir in cheese, butter, and pepper.

BARLEY RISOTTO WITH SHRIMP AND PEAS

Steps:

• Place barley in a bowl, and add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Cover; let soak in the refrigerator overnight.
• Bring stock to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat, and cover. Drain barley. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook 6 minutes. Stir in barley. Add wine, and cook, stirring, until liquid has evaporated.
• Add 1/2 cup stock, and cook, stirring, until liquid is absorbed. Continue adding stock, 1/2 cup at a time, waiting until liquid is absorbed before adding more, until barley is tender but still slightly firm, about 35 minutes total (reserve 1/4 cup stock to stir in at the end).
• About 1 minute before barley is done, stir in shrimp and peas, and cook until shrimp are opaque throughout. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/4 cup stock, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and salt. Season with pepper, and serve.