Baked Barley And Mushrooms
A hearty baked dish combining earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and tender barley in a savory broth, perfect for wholesome family dinners or comforting lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart casserole, mix all ingredients.
- Cover the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 1 hour or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir occasionally during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You can also mix in other vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, to enhance nutrition and taste. Remember to stir occasionally during baking to ensure even cooking, just like in the Hurry-Up Tuna Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked barley and mushrooms as a hearty main dish or side. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, try it alongside other comforting American recipes like Hot Chicken Casserole Salad. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered dish until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Barley And Mushrooms contains roughly 103 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular barley instead of quick cooking barley?
Yes, you can use regular barley, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the baking time to about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking for doneness. You may also need to add more broth to ensure the barley cooks fully.
What if I don't have mushrooms on hand?
If you don't have mushrooms, you can substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or spinach, which will also add flavor and nutrition. Alternatively, you can use canned mushrooms, though fresh mushrooms provide a better texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables or beans for protein, making it a hearty meal without any meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).