Barley Bean Medley
A hearty medley of barley, beans, and smoky bacon, seasoned with herbs and spices, perfect for a comforting, nutritious meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pearl barley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried beans (white, lima or kidney) ⓘ
- 2 cups vegetables ⓘ
- chicken or beef broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon crushed coriander seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Add pearl barley and continue sauteing until barley is light brown.
- Add dried beans, broth, chopped parsley, crushed bacon, crushed coriander seed, and salt.
- Cover the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour, adding additional broth or water if necessary, until beans and barley are tender and all moisture is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using homemade chicken or beef broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the dried beans with canned beans to reduce cooking time—just add them towards the end of the cooking process. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Barley Bean Medley as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Okra Gumbo (Soup) for a comforting meal. Top with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch or serve with crusty bread for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barley Bean Medley contains roughly 325 calories, with 14g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2111mg per serving (92% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests white, lima, or kidney beans, you can experiment with other varieties like black beans or pinto beans. Just ensure that they are dried beans if following the original cooking instructions, or use canned beans if you're short on time.
How do I know when the barley and beans are fully cooked?
Both the barley and beans should be tender but not mushy. The best way to check is to taste them towards the end of the cooking time. If they are still firm, continue cooking and check every 10 minutes until they reach the desired texture.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator and can even taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing, and follow the reheating instructions for the best results.
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).