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