This Herb Mushroom Barley is made with simple ingredients, yet full of flavor and texture. It's easy to prepare and makes for a great side dish.
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT30M
Total time: PT40M
Rating
5 stars (7 reviews)
Keywords
barley, mushroom barley
Ingredients
1 cup pearl barley
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
7 cloves garlic ((1 tbsp, pressed))
5 ounces baby spinach
1-2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar (*)
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped**)
2 tbsp fresh oregano (chopped**)
6 sprigs fresh thyme ((1 tsp stripped leaves))
kosher salt
black pepper
Categories
Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Steps
Start by cooking the barley. I find it easiest to cook it in the rice cooker: combine 1 cup of barley with 2 cups of water and 1/4 tsp of salt. Press the start button, and let it do its thing. It usually takes about 30 minutes. If you don't have a rice cooker, there should be instructions on the package for how to cook it on the stove.***
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil over medium high heat, then add the mushrooms. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes, until browned.
Add the garlic and spinach, and cook for about 2 more minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
When the barley has finished cooking, place it in a large mixing bowl and add the mushroom mixture.
Add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 or 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar (see notes), and all the herbs. Toss well, and taste for final seasoning adjustments. I'll usually add a touch more salt (about 1/4 tsp) and a few more cracks of black pepper. Enjoy!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 333.59 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45.41 g
Protein: 7.87 g
Fat: 14.84 g
Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
Sodium: 38.19 mg
Sugar: 2.18 g
Reviews
Nicole on 2020-03-03 (5 stars): SO delicious! Trying to eat different types of grains and loved this way of enjoying barley.
