Make Ard Bia’s Nourishing, Warming Squash Barley Risotto

Wintry nights in call for this wholesome and warming squash barley risotto – an exclusive recipe from Galway’s Ard Bia at Nimmo’s…
Serves 6 (as a main course or’makes?10 starter portions)

YOU WILL NEED
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic
500g pearl barley
1/2 cup white wine
5 cups vegetable stock
1 butternut squash
oil, salt, pepper, to taste
3 tbsp parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
200g?St Tolas?goat’s cheese
For the candied walnuts
1 cup walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp butter

METHOD
1. Cook the butternut squash in the oven for 20-30 mins at 200?C. Pur?e when soft.
2. Saut? the onions and garlic until they’re translucent.
3. Add the barley and white wine, and cook slowly until all of the wine is absorbed.
4. Add the stock?half a?cup at a time, making sure all the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the barley is completely soft.
5. To make the candied walnuts, heat a heavy-bottomed pan over a medium heat and pop in the butter to melt.
6. Stir the nuts to?coat them in butter and then add the sugar. Stir continuously until caramelised.
7. Pour the nut mixture onto parchment paper, separating the nuts before allowing them to cool.
8. Add the candied nuts to the barley risotto and add the goat’s cheese on top with a teaspoon.
9. Serve with parmesan shards and enjoy!

Ard Bia at Nimmo’s