Orzotto with porcini mushrooms

Presentation
Imagine sitting in a small Italian trattoria, enveloped in the inviting aroma of porcini mushrooms mixing with the rustic essence of pearl barley. Today, I take you on a unique culinary journey, revealing the secrets of Orzotto with Porcini Mushrooms. This is not just a recipe, but a gateway to the authenticity and magic of Italian cuisine, an adventure for the palate that promises to transform your kitchen into a corner of Italy. Are you ready to be enchanted by a dish that contains history, culture and unforgettable flavours? So, let's start this journey together.
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of pearl barley
- 1 small shallot
- 300 grams of vegetable broth
- 300 grams of water
- 15 grams of dried mushrooms (porcini)
- 30 grams of butter
- 20 grams of parmigiano
Preparation:

1 Soak the dried mushrooms in water for at least 30 minutes. 2 Keep the mushroom water filtered through a fine mesh strainer. 3 Finely chop the shallot.

4 In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and lightly brown the shallot, 5 then add the pearl barley and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. 6 Add the porcini mushrooms and mix.

7 Add the broth and leave to cook for about 25 minutes. While it is cooking, heat the mushroom liquid and add it if necessary so as not to let the orzotto dry out too much. 8 When it is ready, turn off the heat and add the butter to mix. 9 Also add the parmesan, keeping some aside for serving, and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Advise
- Mushroom selection : For a more intense flavor, choose high-quality dried porcini mushrooms. Their aromatic richness intensifies during the dehydration process, adding depth to your orzotto.
- Roasting the barley : Don't underestimate the importance of roasting the pearl barley before adding the liquids. This key step not only prevents the barley from becoming gummy, but also enhances its flavor, giving it a light nuttiness.
- Liquid-to-Barley Ratio : Keep a careful eye on the liquid-to-barley ratio while cooking. The orzotto should be creamy but not too liquid. If necessary, add hot broth a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
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