Dinner

Butternut Squash & Red Pepper Pesto Pearl Barley Risotto

  • Prep 10 mins
  • Total 1 hour
  • Easy
  • Serves 4

An extraordinary risotto like no other. The red pepper pesto adds delicious depth, and the texture of the pearl barley compliments the other components wonderfully. Enjoy!

Allergies

  • Contains Tree Nuts

Tip: Allergy Advice

This dish contains the following allergens: Tree Nuts

Cooking mode

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  • 1 white onion
  • 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp dairy free butter
  • 1/4 tsp dried sage
  • 1.2L vegetable stock
  • 350g dried pearl barley (rinsed)

For the pesto

  • 2 red peppers
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 40g dairy free parmesan or alternative
  • 40ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 40g pine nuts
  • A handful of fresh basil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Utensils

  • Step 1

    Begin by preheating the oven to 180c and lining two baking trays with parchment paper.

  • Step 2

    Scatter the small butternut squash cubes onto one and the sliced red peppers onto the other. Drizzle both with oil and roast in the oven for 25 minutes.

  • Step 3

    Meanwhile in a large saucepan on a medium heat add the extra virgin olive oil along with the white onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to turn translucent.

  • Step 4

    Next add the dried sage, pearl barley and butter and combine.

  • Step 5

    Pour in the stock and leave to simmer for 25 minutes or so until the pearl barley has absorbed the stock and is cooked.

  • Step 6

    Whilst the risotto is cooking prepare the pesto by adding all of the ingredients including the roasted red peppers into the Ninja blender and blending until smooth. Empty into a bowl.

  • Step 7

    Rinse the blender and next add half of the butternut squash to it and blend again until smooth.

  • Step 8

    Pour into the risotto along with half of the pesto and stir until combined.

  • Step 9

    Finish by plating up and topping with the remaining butternut squash chunks, pesto dollops and fresh basil. Enjoy!