Quick Barley Pilaf
Elevate your weeknight meals with this Quick Barley Pilaf, a wholesome and flavorful side dish that comes together in just 40 minutes. Featuring nutty pearl barley simmered to tender perfection in savory broth, this recipe is enhanced with sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and aromatic garlic for a hearty, comforting base. A touch of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, while a hint of black pepper and a bay leaf deepen the flavor. Perfect as a versatile accompaniment to your favorite proteins or as a light vegetarian meal, this easy barley pilaf delivers nutritious simplicity with a gourmet twist. Packed with fiber, and brimming with earthy, satisfying flavor, it’s a quick and healthy choice for busy cooks.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and drain.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed barley to the pan and toss to coat it in the oil and vegetables.
Pour in the broth, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once the barley is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Discard the bay leaf.
Fluff the pilaf with a fork, stir in the chopped fresh parsley (if using), and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
154 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.4 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 804 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.1 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 3.2 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 227 mg | 5% | |
*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.
