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A bowl of barley mushroom risotto is on the table.
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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Vegan Barley Risotto With Mushrooms

Boost your diet with hearty and nutritious barley risotto featuring mushrooms. With this Instant Pot recipe, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly dinner in no time!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Vegan
Allergen: Dairy free, Soy free
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Calories: 267kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2 ¾ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoon parsley chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 10 ounce white mushrooms diced
  • 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf optional
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Turn on the instant pot and press the sauté function. Add olive oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Sauté chopped garlic and onions in the hot oil until they are translucent and fragrant.
    1 cup onion, 2 garlic cloves
  • Add sliced mushrooms, rosemary, Italian seasonings, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt to the pot and cook until they start to soften.
    10 ounce white mushrooms, ½ teaspoon pepper powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, salt to taste
  • Add in the pearl barley and vegetable stock (or cold water). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
    2 ¾ cup vegetable broth, 1 cup pearl barley
  • Press 'cancel' to stop the sauteing step.
  • Close and lock the lid of the instant pot. Select manual mode and set the timer for 20 minutes on high pressure.
  • Once finished, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before using the quick-release method to manually release any remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid, add lemon juice, and give the risotto a good stir. If you prefer a creamier texture, add in some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese at this point.
    2 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Serve your Pearl barley risotto hot, garnished with chopped parsley or additional black pepper if desired. This dish is perfect as a main course or served alongside a protein of your choice.
    2 tablespoon parsley

Notes

    •  
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for a more flavorful risotto.
  • Toast the barley in the instant pot before adding any liquid for additional depth of flavor.
  • For a one-pot meal, add vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini to the risotto. This adds some nutritional value and makes for a more well-rounded dish.
Variations and Substitutions
  • Grains: While pearl barley is used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other grains such as farro, quinoa, or even traditional Arborio rice. Each brings a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
  • Mushrooms: Various mushrooms can be used for mushroom barley risotto, ranging from cremini and shiitake to more exotic varieties like oyster, maitake, or porcini mushrooms. Each mushroom contributes a different flavor profile, so try different types to discover your preference.
  • Vegan Parmesan: If you're not on a strict vegan diet, you can substitute the vegan parmesan cheese with regular parmesan for a more traditional risotto flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the cheese altogether for a lighter dish.
  • Herbs and Spices: Feel free to use herbs and spices. Consider adding a dash of chili flakes for heat or a sprinkle of fresh thyme or sage for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Lemon Juice:  The lemon juice adds a tangy freshness to the dish, but you can substitute it with red wine or soy sauce for a more complex flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 658mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 639IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg