Barley Burgers
Hearty barley burgers packed with mushrooms, walnuts, and savory broth, perfect for a vegetarian main course or a tasty lunch in pita bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the barley in 2 1/2 cups of water until tender, then drain and let cool.
- Chop the onion and mushrooms finely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked barley, chopped onion, chopped walnuts, canned mushrooms, bread crumbs, broth, eggs, and flour. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Fry the patties in a skillet until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve the burgers in pita bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and mushrooms before mixing them with the barley. You can substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture. To enhance the texture, try incorporating grated carrots or cooked quinoa.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barley burgers in warm pita bread for a delicious meal. They pair wonderfully with a side of mixed greens or a fresh cucumber salad. For a complete spread, consider adding a dollop of tzatziki or hummus on top. These burgers are also great with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or as part of a vegetarian platter featuring dishes like Pumpkin Apple Mini Muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover barley burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until heated through, or place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barley Burgers contains roughly 2292 calories, with 54g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 158g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (109% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1189mg per serving (52% 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 make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the barley mixture and form the patties in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the cooking process quicker when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of George Washington broth?
If you don't have George Washington broth, vegetable broth or homemade broth will work well as a substitute. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste to the mixture, adjusting the seasoning accordingly.
Can I freeze the barley burgers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
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).