With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, barley makes a hearty and satisfying base for a pilaf dish. In this recipe, barley is paired with shiitake mushrooms and spinach, creating a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The shiitake mushrooms add a umami flavor to the dish, while the spinach provides a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. The pilaf is cooked in a flavorful broth made with chicken or vegetable stock, and it is seasoned with garlic, onion, and thyme. This pilaf is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of barley, and it is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BARLEY PILAF
Barley can be found in two forms-hulled and pearled. Pearling removes almost a third of the grain, making it quicker cooking and reducing some nutrients. Hulled barley takes longer to cook but has a higher nutrient content and a pleasant, toothsome chewiness. This pilaf recipe is a simple way to enjoy hulled barley.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the barley and stir until the grains are just coated in butter. Add the broth and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Uncover and quickly stir in the spaghetti; cover and continue to simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and the barley and spaghetti are tender, stirring once more, about 15 minutes more. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped chives.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calorie, Fat 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2.5 grams, Cholesterol 10 milligrams, Sodium 290 milligrams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 2 grams
BARLEY, SHIITAKE, AND SPINACH PILAF
I found this in a very old Vegetarian Times magazine. I really like barley, but most barley recipes are for soup. I think this is a nice departure.
Provided by Aunt Cookie
Categories Spinach
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Add the barley and water to a medium saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat for approximately 1 hour.
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add both types of oil and saute the onions, stirring occasionally, until brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and mushrooms; saute for approximately 3 minutes.
- Add spinach, cooked barley, and sesame seeds; saute for 5 minutes, or until barley is heated through.
- Season with tamari and cayenne.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.5, Fat 12.4, SaturatedFat 1.7, Sodium 280.7, Carbohydrate 48.3, Fiber 10.5, Sugar 4.1, Protein 9.3
BARLEY AND ASPARAGUS PILAF
Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the oil and saute the onion and garlic until translucent and soft. Add the barley and stir together so the barley gets coated with oil and begins to toast.
- Reduce the heat and slowly add the vegetable stock a little at a time to the toasted barley. Stir constantly until all the liquid you've added has evaporated, then add more. Continue to do this until all the stock has been used. Reduce the heat to low and add the asparagus. Simmer until the asparagus is cooked, normally around 8 minutes. Cook's Note: Alternatively, you could blanch the asparagus first in boiling water, prior to adding it to the cooked barley. This will save you time if you're in a hurry.
- Stir in the cream, cheese and butter and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the chopped basil before serving.
SAUTEED SPINACH AND SHIITAKES
This is a very healthy saute of spinach and shiitake mushrooms, which are high in copper, an under-appreciated nutrient.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add mushrooms; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate (reserve skillet).
- Heat remaining tablespoon oil in skillet. Add as much spinach as will fit; season with salt and pepper. Toss spinach, adding more to skillet as room becomes available. Cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, drain off any excess liquid, and stir in vinegar. Top spinach with mushrooms.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh shiitake mushrooms. If you can't find fresh shiitake mushrooms, you can substitute dried shiitake mushrooms. Just be sure to soak the dried mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes before using.
- If you don't have barley, you can substitute another type of grain, such as brown rice or quinoa.
- Add other vegetables to the pilaf, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini.
- For a vegetarian version of the pilaf, omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.
- Serve the pilaf with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
Conclusion:
Barley, shiitake, and spinach pilaf is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of grains, vegetables, and protein, this pilaf is a complete meal in one.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love