Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash

You know those recipes you have that you turn to when you need something you know is going to taste fantastic, yet isn’t too hard, and will be pleasing to most? Meet Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash. This is one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over because it’s perfect for so many occasions. It’s easy enough to be a weeknight dinner (trust me–this isn’t like traditional risotto where you have to stir it for 45 minutes!) yet elegant enough to be a holiday side dish or an entree you serve to company.

It’s so delicious, though, you won’t want to save it for special occasions.This recipe can work as a side dish or a vegetarian main. See? Very versatile. If you use is as a main dish, it’ll serve 4 people. As a side, it will serve 8 people.

I love the way the pearl barley cooks up so creamy, yet is a much lower glycemic index grain than the Arborio rice traditionally used in risotto. Pearl barley actually has a much lower GI than any kind of rice and most grains in general. Even though pearl barley is processed to have the hull and part of the bran layer removed, so isn’t a fully in tact whole grain, it cooks so much faster than the least processed barley, so I prefer to use it. Note that barely is not gluten-free.

I use the same method to cook this Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash as this Brown Rice Risotto. I start cooking it on the stove, and then move it to the hot oven to finish. Very minimal stirring is required, I promise!

This Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash is one of the most low-stress risottos you’ll ever make, yet the results will impress you. It’s creamy, fresh herbs add incredible flavor, with just the right amount of parmesan cheese. The butternut squash just makes this the perfect dish to make all fall and winter long.

Would you like to know what else makes this Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash a perfect weeknight meal? All of the ingredients can be purchased through Kroger ClickList! Now your grocery shopping and your dinner making are easy, low-stress experiences. Winning.

If you missed my post telling all about how much I love Kroger ClickList, you can read about it here. It really is a grocery shopping game-changer for busy moms. Even though I like grocery shopping, my schedule doesn’t allow for the leisurely trips I once enjoyed. If I have to choose between a long trip to the grocery store or being able to cook my family dinner, I’ll choose dinner every time. Thank you, Kroger, for allowing this online shopping experience that makes my life easier!

 

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Thank you to Kroger for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.