Pearl Barley Vegetable Risotto

Ingredients

For the Roasting Tray:

• 250g vine tomatoes
• 1 courgette, diced
• 1 pepper, diced
• Generous pinch of salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Olive oil

For the Pot:

• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 large shallot or red onion, diced
• 250g pearl barley
• 200ml white wine
• 1.2L boiling water (with stock cube)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• Generous cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh parsley or dried

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Roast the Vegetables:

   • In a roasting tray, combine the tomatoes, courgette, and pepper.
   • Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
   • Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and caramelized.

3. Prepare the Barley:

   • In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
   • Add the diced shallot (or red onion) and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
   • Add the pearl barley and cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to toast (about 3-4 minutes).

4. Deglaze and Simmer:

   • Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until mostly absorbed by the barley.
   • Add the dried thyme and begin adding the boiling water mixed with the stock cube, one cup at a time. Allow each cup to be absorbed before adding the next.
   • Once all the stock is added, season with salt and pepper.
   • Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the barley is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • When the vegetables are done roasting, add them to the pot with the barley. Stir well, mashing in the tomato juices.
   • Continue cooking for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
   • Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and fresh (or dried) parsley to taste.

6. Serve: Spoon the risotto into bowls and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredient quantities based on your taste preferences.