This instant pot barley risotto with mushrooms is creamy and rich in flavor and completely customizable to your taste. Thanks to an electric pressure cooker this risotto recipe has a hassle-free prep!
1tablespoonbutter, or to taste, (15 grams), optional
¼cupparmesan cheese, finely grated, see note 4
1tablespoonfresh flat leaf parsley, or to taste (finely chopped)
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Instructions
Turn on the instant pot and press SAUTE. Pour in olive oil and add minced onion. Saute for 3 minutes, stirring once or twice.
Add sliced mushrooms and saute for about 3 minutes, again stirring from time to time. Add soy sauce and stir.
Cancel SAUTE. Add barley, stock, water, thyme, salt and pepper and stir well. Cover it with a lid and lock it into its position. Turn the steam release valve to SEALING and press PRESSURE COOK (or MANUAL) and adjust the timer to 20 minutes. Make sure to pressure cook on high.
When the time is up, wait 5 minutes before releasing the pressure manually by turning the valve to VENTING (be careful - the steam is hot). When the pin drops, open the lid (see note 7) and stir in butter, parmesan and parsley.
Best enjoyed warm!
Notes
You can use either extra virgin or regular cooking olive oil. Sunflower oil or vegetable oil will also work.
Baby portobello mushrooms can be substituted with white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms or wild mushrooms.
Instead of water, stock/broth can be used but if using a regular one, you will need to omit salt completely (and add only if it is needed).
Parmesan can be substituted with Grana Padano or Pecorino. When using pecorino, keep in mind that this cheese is pretty salty so omit the ¼ teaspoon of salt and season only at the very end if needed. Cheese can be omitted completely.
This recipe was developed for a 6-quart (6-liter) instant pot. When using a smaller or larger pot or a different brand, the times may vary.
Overall cooking time does not include the time the pot needs to come to pressure (about 10 minutes) as well as the time needed to release its pressure (5 minutes).
If you experience there is too much liquid, please check the "liquid to barley ratio" explanation in the post. All you have to do is cook it a little longer on SAUTE function.
More tips, possible variations and other risotto recipes can be found in the post above this recipe card.