Best 14 Barley And Asparagus Pilaf Recipes

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Barley and asparagus pilaf is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a combination of barley, asparagus, herbs, and spices, cooked in a flavorful broth. Barley is a whole grain that is high in fiber and protein, while asparagus is a vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. This pilaf is a great way to incorporate more whole grains and vegetables into your diet. It is also a relatively easy dish to make, and can be prepared in under an hour.

Here are our top 14 tried and tested recipes!

BARLEY AND ASPARAGUS



Barley and Asparagus image

Combine grains and vegetables into one super side dish! Serve it alongside any meaty main course.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 1/2 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 medium carrot, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley
8 oz asparagus (8 to 10 stalks), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram or thyme leaves
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In 2-quart saucepan, heat broth over medium heat until hot.
  • In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion and carrot in oil 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Stir in barley. Cook and stir 1 minute.
  • Pour 1 cup of the hot broth over barley mixture. Cook uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed. Stir in asparagus. Continue cooking 15 to 20 minutes, adding broth 1 cup at a time and stirring frequently, until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed; remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 150, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 5 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 460 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

RICE PILAF WITH CARROTS AND PARSLEY



Rice Pilaf With Carrots and Parsley image

Carrots and leeks make a sweet combination, but you can also use regular onion in this pilaf. To get 1/2 cup of finely chopped parsley, begin with 2 cups leaves picked from the stems.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     side dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water or stock (chicken or vegetable)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion or 1 medium leek, finely chopped
3/4 pound carrots (2 large), peeled, cut in half lengthwise if large, and thinly sliced on the diagonal
Salt to taste
1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Place the rice in a bowl in the sink and rinse several times with water, or soak for 30 minutes, to wash away some of the starch. Drain through a strainer.
  • Heat the water or stock to a bare simmer in a saucepan or in a Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wide, heavy skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the carrots, onion or leek, and salt to taste. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes, and add the rice. Cook, stirring, until the grains of rice are separate and beginning to crackle. Add the hot water or stock and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Uncover the rice and place a clean towel over the top of the pan (it should not be touching the rice). Replace the lid and allow the rice to sit for 10 minutes, undisturbed. Add the parsley and gently fluff the rice, then pile the pilaf onto a platter or into a wide bowl and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 182, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 436 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

BARLEY PILAF



Barley Pilaf image

This rice alternative is good with roasted chicken or fish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup pearl barley
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, minced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boilingsalted water, cook pearl barley until tender but stillal dente, about 35 minutes. Drain in a fine-mesh sieveand rinse with cool water to stop the cooking.
  • In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium-high. Add shallot, minced, and season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes; add barley and stir to combine. Transfer barley mixture to a largebowl and stir in toasted pine nuts, finely chopped fresh parsley, and freshlemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298 g, Fat 12 g, Fiber 8 g, Protein 7 g

BARLEY AND HERB SALAD WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS



Barley and Herb Salad With Roasted Asparagus image

When fat stalks of asparagus come into the markets, what better thing to do with them than roast or grill them? What's more, the California chef and teacher John Ash, demonstrating a recipe at the recent "Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives" conference at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley - an event that bridges health care, nutrition science and cooking - insists that not only does asparagus taste better when it's not cooked in or near water, but also that it doesn't cause that distinctive odor in urine many people experience after eating it. I can't vouch for the latter claim, but asparagus is intensely delicious when you roast it And it's a beautiful addition to this lemony mix of barley and herbs. For the herbs, I like to mix sweet (tarragon, chives) with bitter (parsley, marjoram, thyme). Cooked barley will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen. The dressed grains will be good for 2 to 3 days.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     appetizer, main course, side dish

Time 1h

Yield Serves 4 as a main dish salad, 6 as a side

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup barley
3 cups water
Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste
1 pound thick-stemmed asparagus
2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, marjoram, chives, tarragon and thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, puréed
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges or sliced lemon for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat a 3- quart saucepan over medium-high heat and add barley. Toast in the pan, shaking pan or stirring grains until they begin to smell a little bit like popcorn. Add water and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste (I suggest 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon for 1 cup barley), reduce heat, cover and simmer 45 to 50 minutes, until barley is tender (it will always be chewy). Drain off any liquid remaining in the pot through a strainer (set it over a bowl if you think you might want to use the barley water in a stock or risotto - it'll keep for a day in the refrigerator). Shake strainer and return barley to the pot. Cover pot with a clean dishtowel and return the lid. Allow barley to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, roast asparagus and make dressing. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Snap off woody ends of the asparagus and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Add olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and toss together until all of the asparagus is coated with oil (I do this with my hands). Make sure that asparagus is in one layer on the baking sheet in the pan and place in oven. Roast for about 12 minutes, or until tender and beginning to shrivel. It should be browned in spots. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, salt, lemon zest, garlic, and mustard. Whisk in olive oil.
  • Transfer cooked barley to a large bowl. Add herbs and vinaigrette and toss together until barley is evenly coated with dressing. Arrange on a platter or on plates. Lay stalks of roasted asparagus on over the top, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 449, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 895 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

VEGETABLE AND BARLEY PILAF



Vegetable and Barley Pilaf image

Hearty, colorful, easy and fast were the reviews we gave this good-for-you dish. Barley has a healthy amount of soluble fiber, which aids digestion. And it can help to lower cholesterol, too! You can easily substitute other fresh veggies you have on hand. -Jesse Klausmeier, Burbank, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced
1 large carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup quick-cooking barley
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute zucchini and carrot in butter until crisp-tender. Add broth; bring to a boil. Stir in barley. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until barley is tender, 10-12 minutes., Stir in the onions, marjoram, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 480mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 10g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

BARLEY PILAF WITH BACON



Barley Pilaf with Bacon image

"This is a tried-and-true recipe from my days working in an oat-and-barley flour mill," says Lili Hill of Athens, Georgia. Chicken broth, onions and bacon lend wonderful flavor to the fiber-rich grain.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 bacon strips, diced
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a small nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. Cool, then refrigerate. , Drain skillet, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings. In drippings, saute barley, onion and mushrooms until barley is lightly browned and vegetables are tender. , Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Stir in broth and pepper. Cover and bake 1 hour. , Stir in bacon; bake 5-10 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 356mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ASPARAGUS BARLEY PILAF



ASPARAGUS BARLEY PILAF image

Categories     Bean     Side

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 c barley
2 T olive oil
1/2 c chopped onion
1 minced garlic clove
1 sm can veg or chicken broth
8 oz fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 c shredded carrot
1/4 c shredded parmesan
1/4 c chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Cook barley in 1T oil until lightly toasted,add onion, garlic and remaining oil. Cook till onion is tender and add3/4 cup heated broth, stirring till liquid is dissolved, continue adding hot broth 1/2 c at a time, stirring constantly. Add veggies, cook till all the liquid is absorbed and barley is tender. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and basil. Season to taste w/salt and pepper.

BARLEY PILAF WITH ASPARAGUS



Barley pilaf with asparagus image

Versatile, fibre-rich, heart-healthy side dish. If asparagus isn't in season (or your favourite), substitute whatever vegetables you like.

Provided by Cheryl Strachan

Categories     Side Dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion
2 medium carrots
1 clove garlic
1 cup pearl barley
1 tsp dried thyme
3 cups water
1 tsp reduced-sodium vegetable base
1/4 tsp salt
1 bunch asparagus
2 tbsp lemon juice
freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Chop the onion and add to the pot.
  • Peel and chop the carrots and garlic. Add them to the pot as you go.
  • Add the thyme and stir to incorporate.
  • Rinse the barley in a strainer and and add to the pot. Toast for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the water, vegetable base, and salt.
  • Turn the heat to high. When the water boils vigorously, reduce the heat to low, cover, and boil gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, clean and trim the asparagus. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Grate the parmesan cheese.
  • Test the barley after 20 minutes. It should be soft but still chewy. Cook for 5 minutes more if you like it more tender.
  • When the barley is done to your liking, add the asparagus and stir to incorporate. Cook covered for 1 minute and then remove from the heat and remove the lid.
  • Add lemon juice and pepper. Top with parmesan cheese.

ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF



Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf image

This is an adaptation of an old Armenian recipe, and this variation is so delicious I can't stop eating it. It's a great way to stretch expensive seasonal asparagus and pricey cashews. It's great as a side dish or as a vegetarian entree.

Provided by SABRINATEE

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

¼ cup butter
2 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken
¼ cup minced onion
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 ¼ cups uncooked jasmine rice
2 ¼ cups vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste
½ pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
½ cup cashew halves

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Increase heat to medium, and stir in spaghetti, cooking until coated with the melted butter and lightly browned.
  • Stir onion and garlic into the saucepan, and cook about 2 minutes, until tender. Stir in jasmine rice, and cook about 5 minutes. Pour in vegetable broth. Season mixture with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and cook 20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
  • Place asparagus in a separate medium saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender but firm.
  • Mix asparagus and cashew halves into the rice mixture, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calories, Carbohydrate 35.1 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 10 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 172.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

ITALIAN BARLEY AND BEAN PILAF



Italian Barley and Bean Pilaf image

Dinner ready in 25 minutes! Enjoy this Italian-style barley, beans and veggies pilaf - a scrumptious skillet meal!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons garlic-flavored oil
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
6 ounces portobello mushrooms, sliced
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
3/4 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 can (15 to 19 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3 cups lightly packed spinach leaves, cut into 1/2-inch strips
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and mushrooms in oil, stirring frequently, until tender.
  • Stir in tomatoes, barley and thyme; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender.
  • Stir in beans, spinach and 1/2 cup of the cheese; cook until hot. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285, Carbohydrate 46 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fiber 10 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 580 mg

ROASTED BARLEY PILAF



Roasted Barley Pilaf image

Pan-roasting the barley gives it a rich, nutty flavor.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
2 shallots, minced
1/4 pound white or wild mushrooms, sliced
2 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, or canned low-sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat, or water
3/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a heavy, medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add barley and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. The barley should start to brown and give off an aroma.
  • Add shallots, and cook for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, and cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add stock and salt. Bring to a boil; then turn down heat to a bare simmer. Cover, and cook for 45 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
  • Stir well, season with pepper and more salt, if needed, and serve immediately.

LEMONY VEGETABLE BARLEY PILAF



Lemony Vegetable Barley Pilaf image

A simple side dish, and what is so nice with this is you can use any vegetables you like. I happen to like asparagus and red pepper, but you could use peas, lima beans, broccoli, etc. It does take 25 minutes for the barley cook up, but it is very easy.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Grains

Time 30m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup pearl barley
2 cups chicken broth
1 small onion, fine chopped
1 1/2 cups asparagus, cut in 1-inch bite size pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, diced fine
2 scallions, diced fine (green parts)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1 bay leaf
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Barley -- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat and add the onion and a little salt and pepper. Saute just 4-5 minutes. Add in the barley and cook another 2-3 minutes until coated with the onion butter mixture.
  • Stir in the broth and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, and cover. Cook until just about tender, it will take about 20-25 minutes (follow the directions for cooking the barley).
  • Vegetables -- Add in the red pepper and asparagus, cover and cook another, 3-4 minutes until tender. The asparagus and red pepper do not take long to cook Remove, stir in the lemon juice, zest, scallions and taste for salt and pepper, mix well, re-cover for a couple of minutes and serve.

BARLEY PILAF



Barley Pilaf image

A nice change from potatoes or rice. Serve with meat or fish. From "Cooking a la Heart"- Delicious Heart Healthy Recipes from the Mankato Heart Health Program, 1988.

Provided by BeccaB3c

Categories     Spinach

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 cups, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 celery ribs, sliced
1 (4 ounce) can mushroom pieces, drained (or 4 ounces fresh, sliced)
1 cup pearl barley
3 teaspoons low-sodium instant chicken bouillon granules
3 1/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bunch fresh spinach

Steps:

  • Melt butter or margarine in a large saucepan.
  • Stir in onion, celery and mushrooms; saute until tender (about 5 minutes).
  • Stir in barley and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
  • Add bouillon, water and pepper; heat to boiling.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 45 to 55 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and barley is tender.
  • Or place barley mixture in covered casserole and bake at 325 degrees until liquid is absorbed and barley is tender.
  • Meanwhile, wash spinach thoroughly.
  • Steam 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir into cooked barley mixture.
  • Cook until heated through.

CHORIZO PILAF



Chorizo pilaf image

Falling somewhere between a paella and a risotto, this slow-cooked basmati rice pot has deep paprika flavours

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion , thinly sliced
250g baby cooking chorizo , sliced
4 garlic cloves , crushed
1 tsp smoked paprika
400g can chopped tomato
250g basmati rice
600ml stock
1 lemon , zest peeled off in thick strips, plus wedges to serve
2 fresh bay leaves
small bunch parsley , chopped

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large pan with a lid. Add the onion and cook for 5-8 mins until soft and golden. Push to the side of the pan and add the chorizo. Cook until lightly browned and some of the oils are released into the pan.
  • Add the garlic and paprika, then the tomatoes. Bubble over a medium heat for 5 mins, then add the rice, stock, lemon zest and bay leaves. Stir everything together well and bring to the boil. Put the lid on and cook over a very low heat for 12 mins.
  • Turn off the heat and leave to sit and steam for 10-15 mins. Stir through the parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 58 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 19 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Choose the right barley: Use hulled barley for a chewy texture and pearl barley for a softer texture.
  • Rinse the barley: Rinsing the barley before cooking helps to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Toast the barley: Toasting the barley in a little bit of oil before cooking helps to bring out its nutty flavor.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the barley will greatly affect the flavor of the pilaf. Use a broth that is packed with flavor, such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth.
  • Add vegetables and herbs: Vegetables and herbs add flavor, color, and nutrition to the pilaf. Some good choices include asparagus, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and parsley.
  • Cook the pilaf until the barley is tender: The pilaf is done cooking when the barley is tender and has absorbed all of the broth. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
  • Fluff the pilaf before serving: Fluffing the pilaf with a fork before serving helps to separate the grains and make the pilaf light and fluffy.

Conclusion:

Barley and asparagus pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It is a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins. This pilaf is also a great way to use up leftover barley. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, barley and asparagus pilaf is a great choice for a quick and healthy meal.

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