Brighten your table with Lemon Parmesan Barley, a hearty and flavorful dish that perfectly balances creamy, zesty, and savory notes. Made with tender pearled barley simmered in vegetable broth, this recipe is infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon juice, zest, and nutty Parmesan cheese. A touch of garlic sautéed in olive oil adds depth, while fresh parsley gives it a refreshing pop of color and herbal aroma. With just ten minutes of prep time and simple cooking steps, this versatile dish is a go-to side or a satisfying light main course. Serve it warm and enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, ideal for weeknight meals or elegant gatherings.
Rinse the pearled barley under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
Add the rinsed barley to the boiling liquid, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
While the barley is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Once the barley is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork.
Stir in the sautéed garlic, grated parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the cooked barley until well combined.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the barley and gently fold it in for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serve the Lemon Parmesan Barley warm as a side dish or a light main course, garnished with additional parmesan and parsley if desired.
Calories |
1048 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.9 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3510 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 167.0 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.8 g | 117% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 38.1 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 566 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 999 mg | 21% | |
*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.