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Home » recipe

Leftover turkey barley risotto

Published: Nov 22, 2016 · Modified: Nov 3, 2022 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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A healthy twist to the classic risotto with turkey leftover.
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Pearl barley cooked with leftover turkey in a delicious risotto style. A healthy bowl with Thanksgiving goodness.

A plate of food with rice, Chicken and Barley

Have you ever tried making risotto using barley? Have you even tried barley before? I did not , actually I only had some barley cookies back in Egypt and they were delicious, but then again they were cookies and most cookies are delicious. I was very skeptical that this recipe will turn out good as I have this feeling that the words "healthy" and "delicious" are rarely in the same recipe together - at least that's what my tastebuds told me. This barley risotto turn out not just good but really, delicious and with some leftover turkey and some peas, this was a complete meal by itself.

A bowl of food on a stove, with onions and spoon
A bowl of food on a stove, with onions and barley

Now off for some chatty stuff folks, continue reading or as usual skip to the recipe here..

I was in my car listening to the radio and here is a program discussing how the American society split in two during this election season, I kept listening as they interviewed many people with different stories. Here is that girl who is now not talking to her mother at all!! another man who avoids discussing anything with his wife because he knows they are on different sides.

This reminded me a lot of what happened in Egypt- and frankly still happening - since the election of the Islamist Mohammed Morsi as a president in 2012 . Ever since 2012 this dark political disagreement cloud has been hanging over our heads and pressing on our hearts. 

A bowl of food, with Turkey and Barley inside

Friends are not friends anymore, brothers and sisters not talking to each other, sons and daughters ...many relationships have been broken and shattered. I was really surprised how so many people seem to love conditionally and when we disagree, this means the end of our relationship!!. I've seen 20+ years of friendship being cut. I've seen marriages collapse and much more.

A close up of a plate of food, with Barley and Risotto

I was also very shocked at some people's - who I used to highly think of them - say irresponsible things in the media. They simply thought if someone does not like it, then they are more than welcome to leave!!!. Lots of talk and babbling that left scars in everyone's heart. Really I was shocked and saddened to hear such things on the media from people who I thought were the "ELITE".

I thought the problem was in the Egyptian society,  as there we are fairly new to democracy let alone having different opinions in the same family. But seems that I was wrong, this looks like a major universal problem, we need to learn to love unconditionally, we need to learn to keep following our friends in Facebook or twitter even if we do not totally agree with their posts, we need to listen to the other side of the story and respect them even if we are still not convinced with their ideas.

If you got disconnected with your loved ones, your friends, your family, do not be sad and know you are not alone and maybe we should all try to show some effort and mend those broken relations. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together!

A bowl of food on a plate, with Barley and Risotto

Thanks for reading so far. This was something that I needed to get off my chest. I hope I did not bother any of you.
Now back to the yummy stuff, this dish is amazingly heavenly delicious, I mean it guys, put your leftover turkey to a good use by making this barely risotto. Feel free to add any kind of vegetables to this dish or even any leftover, I've used peas as they are my kid's favorite.

A close up of a plate of food, with Barley on a spoon

Turkey leftover barley risotto

A healthy twist to the classic risotto with turkey leftover.
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Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoon olive oil.
  • 1 Tablespoon butter.
  • 1 small onion diced.
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed.
  • 1 cup barley.
  • 2 ½ cup chicken stock.
  • 1 ½ - 2 cup leftover turkey diced or shredded whatever you prefer .
  • 1 cup peas.
  • cilantro for garnishing.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Instructions

  • In a saucepan over medium high heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add onion and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add garlic and sauté for another 1 minute.
  • Add barley and toast for 5 minutes on high.
  • Add the stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low for 25 minutes.
  • Add peas and turkey, stir and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • Serve garnished with chopped cilantro.
  • Enjoy!!
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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise Browning

    November 25, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    It looks so delicious, making great use of Thanksgiving leftovers. I hope you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Amira!

    Reply
  2. John/Kitchen Riffs

    November 23, 2016 at 8:52 am

    We live in weird times, alas, and it seems to be universal. Hope we get past it soon. Anyway, I've had risotto with barley, but never made it Good stuff! Thanks. And Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 25, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      Mom always says the same John, weird world. I highly recommend this recipe, never thought it will turn out this good!!

      Reply
  3. Bam's Kitchen

    November 22, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    Amira, I have never made risotto with barley and I bet it is so good with a little bit of a nutty flavor. Thanks for the leftover turkey idea as this week I hope to have a little bit. Take care

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 25, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      Bam, I have never had the ordinary risotto before and I can tell you already if the barley one is so delicious then I bet the classic is heavenly good. Have a happy holidays dear.

      Reply

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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