Good and Easy Barley Pilaf
Elevate your side dish game with this Good and Easy Barley Pilaf, a hearty and wholesome recipe that's both simple to make and packed with flavor. Featuring nutty, tender pearled barley simmered in savory vegetable or chicken broth, this dish is enhanced by the aromatic combination of sautéed onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. A touch of butter or olive oil adds richness, while a bay leaf and fresh parsley provide a subtle, herbaceous finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this versatile pilaf is perfect as a nutritious side for roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a stand-alone vegetarian meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this one-pot wonder is destined to become a weeknight staple.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearled barley
- 2.5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery stalk, diced
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the pearled barley under cold water using a fine mesh sieve and set aside to drain.
In a large skillet or medium saucepan, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery, sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add the rinsed barley to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast and coat it in the butter.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Allow the barley to simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender but chewy.
Remove the saucepan from heat, discard the bay leaf, and fluff the pilaf with a fork.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1052 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.7 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 63 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 3760 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 184.8 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.7 g | 142% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.9 g | ||
| Protein | 25.1 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 244 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1888 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
