Risotto Minus the Rice
- Marcus Nilsson1/8
Toasted Barley Risotto with Spinach and Herb Purée
Barley's dense, pasta-like texture makes it perfect for a slow-cooked dish like risotto. This recipe toasts the barley before cooking, helping to enhance the nutty, savory flavor of the final dish.
- Noah Sheldon2/8
Heirloom Squash Farrotto
Risotto with farro = farotto. This Middle Eastern-style adaptation uses a combination of cumin, chile pepper, and cilantro for bold flavor.
- Kemp Minifie3/8
Amaranth "Risotto" With Mushrooms
Amaranth fans love this grain for its nutty flavor and high protein content. It's also super easy to turn into a creamy risotto; just let it cook slowly on its own, no constant stirring required. For an extra flavor boost, mix a handful of Parmesan into this recipe at the end of cooking.
- Peden & Munk4/8
Freekeh Paella with Clams and Almond Aioli
The traditional Arabic grain freekah is roasted, giving it a lightly smoky, earthy bite. This recipe adds chorizo and clams for a delicious dinner. Go one step further and finish it with a little cream and cheese for something even more delicious.
- Photo by Brian Leatart5/8
Israeli Couscous Risotto with Squash, Radicchio, and Parsley Butter
Israeli pasta may technically be a pasta, but we're totally okay cooking it in this risotto-style dish. Butternut squash adds sweetness, while diced radicchio balances the dish with a bitter bite.
- Photo by Romulo Yanes6/8
Barley Risotto with Asparagus and Hazelnuts
Because the husks are removed, pearl barley has a nice white color, and looks a lot like arborio rice once cooked. This recipe uses every part of the asparagus—the stalks, tips, and even cooking water—to infuse the dish with bright spring flavor.
- Peden & Munk7/8
5-Grain Porridge with Bee Pollen, Apples, and Coconut
Topped with toasted coconut and apples, this 5-grain porridge is creamy risotto-like breakfast treat. We'd also cook the combination of brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, and millet in stock for a savory side.
- Photo by Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott8/8
Brown Rice Porridge with Hazelnuts and Jam
Along with alternative grains, you can also cook a variety of rices risotto-style, including jasmine, long grain wild rice, or brown rice. But no matter the grain, follow the basic risotto rules, including toasting the grain first and using a flavorful cooking liquid, to achieve the best results.


Anna Stockwell

Anna Stockwell
Dimension 20: Cloudward, Ho! is available only on Dropout and recently aired its finale. The cast is led by Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, and additionally stars Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, and Lou Wilson.
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