Fennel and Walnut Barley Risotto

Instructions

1. Soak the porcini mushrooms in 600ml of hot water for about 30 minutes. Set aside the porcini mushrooms. The remaining water can be used as a stock.
2. Sauté the shallot with the garlic in olive oil until the shallots turn translucent. Stir in the pearl barley and coat in the oil.
3. Pour in the wine. Stir regularly and simmer over a gentle heat until the liquid is absorbed. Add in the porcini mushrooms
4. Ladle in the stock with the sprigs of sage. Stir and simmer, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the stock, until the barley is tender but remains crunchy. This process will take about 45 minutes.
5. 10 minutes before the end, add in the chestnut and fennel and continue cooking for the remaining minutes.
6. When the risotto is almost done, add the walnuts and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm.