Rice and Barley Side
Elevate your dinner table with this hearty and wholesome Rice and Barley Side dish, perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses. Combining the subtle nuttiness of pearl barley with the fluffiness of white rice, this recipe creates a perfectly balanced grain medley that’s both comforting and nutritious. Sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots infuse the dish with a savory depth of flavor, while a gentle simmer in chicken or vegetable broth ensures every bite is rich and satisfying. Aromatic hints of thyme and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a fragrant, earthy finish. Ready in under an hour and simple to prepare, this versatile side dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, offering a delicious way to incorporate whole grains into your meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 medium, diced carrot
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
Rinse the rice and barley under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch and debris. Set aside.
In a large saucepan or skillet with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot to the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed rice and barley, coating them in the oil and vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer gently for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice and barley are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the grains with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
223 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.5 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 1361 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.4 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 41 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| 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.
