Ingredients
4 c. vegetable broth
1 c. pearl barley
1/4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 c. chopped onion
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 1/2 c. assorted seasonal fresh mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, portobello, chanterelle
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 c. red wine
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
4 filets mignons (beef tenderloin steaks)
1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 c. assorted steamed vegetables
Preparation
Step 1To make risotto: In a 2-quart saucepan over high heat, bring broth and 1 cup water to a boil. Then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.Step 2In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup barley, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside.Step 3In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion softens, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook 2 minutes. Stir in toasted barley, remaining 1/2 cup barley, and bay leaf. Add about 1/2 cup simmering broth to barley, stirring until liquid has been absorbed. Continue cooking, adding broth 1/2 cup at a time and stirring, until all liquid has been absorbed and barley is tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Stir in thyme, oregano, pepper, and cheese. Remove bay leaf.Step 4To make wine reduction: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring wine and corn syrup to a boil until reduced to a syrupy consistency, about 20 minutes. Set aside.Step 5To make tenderloin: Sprinkle filets with herbs, salt, and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add filets and cook until browned, about 3 minutes on both sides for medium-rare or until desired doneness.Step 6To serve: Press 1/2 cup risotto into a 4-ounce ramekin or custard cup and unmold in center of plate. Repeat to make 3 more molds. Slice each filet horizontally into 4 round medallions. Arrange 1/2 cup steamed vegetables on each plate. Lean beef slices against risotto. Drizzle 1 tablespoon wine reduction over beef, risotto, and vegetables.
