BARLEY RISOTTO WITH WILTED KALE

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock
40 gram butter
2 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
3 medium (450g) brown onions, sliced thinly
1 cup (220g) pearl barley
2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3/4 cup (60g) grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
500 gm kale, trimmed, chopped coarsely
shaved parmesan cheese, to serve
1.  Place stock in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer.

2  Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic & thyme – cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add onion – cook 5 minutes, or until soft and golden, stirring occasionally.

3   Add barley & lemon rind – cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, or til barley is well coated & glistening.
4   Add 1 cup stock – simmer, stirring, until absorbed. Continue to add stock ½ cup at a time, stirring, until all of the stock is absorbed. Stir in the grated parmesan.

5  Meanwhile, heat a pan or wok over high heat. Add oil, then kale. Stir-fry til kale is just tender.

6  Spoon risotto into four warmed bowls. Top with kale and shaved parmesan, if desired.