Pic of Carrot orzotto with pesto verde

Carrot orzotto with pesto verde

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Vegetarian mains

Carrot orzotto with pesto verde

Main Serves 4 50 min
Pearled barley works in the same way as risotto rice but has a nutty flavour and a more robust texture that works very well with carrots. Use risotto rice if you prefer. If vegetarian, use Pecorino rather than Parmesan.

Ingredients

  • 100g butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 700g carrots, peeled and cut into small dice
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 400g pearl barley
  • ¼ tsp fresh nutmeg, grated
  • 1½ litres veg stock
  • 100g Parmesan or Pecorino, grated
  • 2 tbsp pesto verde
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper

Method

Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time: 40 min

  • Step 1

    Heat half the butter and all the oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the onion and gently fry for 2 minutes. Add the carrots and garlic and fry for 10 minutes. Add the barley and nutmeg, stirring for 2 minutes.

  • Step 2

    Meanwhile, separately heat the stock to simmering point. Gradually add the stock to the barley pan, a ladle at a time, until the liquid evaporates.

  • Step 3

    Stir constantly for about 25-30 minutes until the barley is cooked.

  • Step 4

    Season, stir in the cheese and remaining butter. Mix the pesto and olive oil together and drizzle over the orzotto to serve.