Orzotto with Radicchio and Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 (14-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 4 bacon slices
• 1 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 cup uncooked pearl barley
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups chopped radicchio
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Combine water and broth; bring to a simmer in a large saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.
2. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in pan. Crumble bacon; set aside.
3. Return pan to medium heat. Add red onion; sauté for 3 minutes. Add barley; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine and salt; cook 2 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until each portion of broth mixture is absorbed before adding the next (about 45 minutes total). Stir in bacon; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in radicchio, cheese, and pepper. Serve immediately.