Roasted Squash on Spiced Barley Risotto (Vegan)
Serve: 3-4
Ingredients for Roasted Squash:
360g Squash of your choice – seeded and sliced
1 tablespoon Honey
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 pinch Salt and ground black pepper
Ingredients for Spiced Barley Risotto:
200 gram Dried Pearl barley and pea mix for stew – soaked overnight
170 gram Onion – chopped
25 gram Red chili
10 gram Ginger
4 tablespoon Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon Ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon Ground paprika
1/4 teaspoon Yeast extract
1/4 teaspoon Garam masala
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin
Pinch Ground black pepper
2 clove Garlic – peeled
1 cube Vegetable stock
800 ml Water
-Soak the dry pearl barley (or lentil) overnight.
-Preheat the oven to 200 Celsius.
-Put the sliced squash, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Rub the wet mixture to cover the squash on each side. Transfer the squash slices onto a baking tray and bake for approx 40 minutes.
-Blend the onion, garlic clove, red chilli and ginger into a smooth paste.
-Gently fry the cumin seeds in the vegetable oil until it pops. Add the wet paste and fry until the spices and herbs are infused (approx 4 minutes). In goes the garam masala, ground paprika, ground cumin and ground coriander. Gently fry for a further 1-2 minutes, keep stirring.
-Add the soaked barley (dried pea), water, vegetable stock cube and salt. Stir and bring it to a boil and simmer until the barley or peas are softened (approx 40 minutes).
-Season with tomato paste, yeast extract and ground black pepper. Fold and assemble the squash and risotto to serve.
Tip:
– Haven’t got lots of time on your hands? You can use the cooked lentils from a can. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. Stir frequently as it is easily burnt.
-You can also replace the squash with pumpkin, butternut squash or sweet potato.
-Pulses are a great source of plant protein and amino acid. Click here for its amazing benefits.
-Not keen on a tomato-based curry? Click here for other vegan curries and dishes: Thai Vegan dishes.