Butternut Barley Risotto

This recipe is really easy! Try in on a cold winter evening...

Ingredients

2 tablespoons  olive oil
1 small butternut squash (about 11/2 pounds)—peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
1onion, finely chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
1 cup pearl barley
1/2  cup dry white wine
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
5 ounces baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces), plus more for serving
1 tablespoon  unsalted butter

Directions
1. Heat oven to 400° F. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the squash, onion, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften, 4 to 6 minutes.
2. Add the barley to the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the broth and bring to a boil; cover the pot and transfer it to oven. Bake until the barley is tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
Stir in the spinach, Parmesan, and butter. Serve with additional Parmesan. Serves four.

Cook’s tip: I prefer no-chicken broth; it’s lighter and has a more delicate flavor. To make this dish vegan, substitute 1/4 cup nutritional yeast and 1/4 cashew butter for the cheese and parmesan.