Chicken & pearl barley risotto
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Chicken & pearl barley risotto

By Miriam Nice

Tender chicken and wholesome pearl barley with a light herby dressing make this a great low-calorie, low-fat weeknight dinner

  • Prep:5 mins
    Cook:40 mins
  • Serves 2
  • Easy

Nutrition per serving

  • kcal 463
  • fat 8g
  • saturates 2g
  • carbs 71g
  • sugars 12g
  • fibre 6g
  • protein 23g
  • salt 0.3g

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp sunflower oil
  • 2 chicken thighs, skinless, bone in
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 140g pearl barley
  • ½ x 60g bag fresh rocket leaves
  • small handful mint, leaves only
  • small handful flat-leaf parsley
  • juice 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp capers

Tip

Seasoning

Adding fresh herbs and citrus juice can be a great seasoning substitute to salt.

Method

  1. Heat a large saucepan over a medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the chicken and fry for 5 mins or until well-browned on all sides. Tip in the vegetables and cook for a further 5 mins until starting to soften. Add the garlic and pearl barley, then pour over 500ml water. Cover and leave to simmer for 25-30 mins, stirring occasionally.

  2. Meanwhile, put all the dressing ingredients in the small bowl of a food processor and blitz until very finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and set aside until serving.

  3. When the pearl barley is soft, but still with a little bite, and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s ready to serve. Season to taste and divide the risotto between two plates, adding spoonfuls of the dressing, to serve.

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