As we welcome the coming June holidays, it is a fantastic opportunity to introduce your little ones to the exciting world of cooking. One delicious and nutritious recipe to kick-start this culinary journey is the Savoury Barley Risotto, recommended by Kinderland’s in-house nutritionist.
This dish not only tantalises taste buds but also teaches your child about the importance of healthy eating and how to create delightful meals from simple ingredients.
![Mushroom-Barley-Risotto-Pan-horiz](https://kinderland.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/Mushroom-Barley-Risotto-Pan-horiz.jpg)
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 1 cup (200g) barley, cooked
- 150g brown button mushrooms, sliced
- Handful of asparagus/kale/spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ brown onion, minced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp dried mixed herbs
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon zest and parsley (for garnish)
![Savoury Barley Risotto Recipe for the June Holidays 01](https://kinderland.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/Savoury-Barley-Risotto-Recipe-for-the-June-Holidays-01.jpg)
![Savoury Barley Risotto Recipe for the June Holidays 02](https://kinderland.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/Savoury-Barley-Risotto-Recipe-for-the-June-Holidays-02.jpg)
Instructions:
- Heat the butter in a saucepan. Stir-fry the onions until caramelized, then add in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and mushrooms to the pan. Continue to cook until they have nearly softened, then add in the pre-boiled/cooked barley and mix well.
- Season with the mixed herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add in 1 tbsp of the cheese and continue to mix until your dish turns creamy.
- Ladle your delicious barley risotto into bowls. For an added punch of flavour and aroma, top with remaining cheese, lemon zest and parsley.
Benefits:
Savoury Barley Risotto offers more than just a tasty meal. It is a wonderful chance to make use of leftover barley from making a barley drink. This smart use of leftovers helps our children understand the importance of preventing food wastage, a lesson that is just as valuable as the nutritional benefits.
Speaking of nutrition, barley is an excellent ingredient in children’s diets. As a whole grain, it is high in fibre, contributing to a healthy digestive system. Its rich, nut-like flavour, chewy texture, and pasta-like consistency make it incredibly appealing to young taste buds.
So, this June holidays, involve your children in the kitchen to whip up this delightful dish. It is a culinary adventure that helps them explore the joy of cooking and understand the significance of healthy eating – truly an experience they will cherish and learn from. Happy cooking, and enjoy the holidays!